"It's really an exciting time for Lumo" says North East MP
Sharon Hodgson MP for Washington and Gateshead South made a special visit to Lumo HQ in Newcastle.
Sharon Hodgson took to the virtual controls of a Lumo train at the company's HQ in Newcastle this week.
The MP for Washington and Gateshead South met with staff from the open-access rail operator which runs services between Newcastle, Edinburgh and London King's Cross and employs more than 120 people from the region.
Sharon Hodgson MP, said: "I've had a great visit to Lumo HQ here in Newcastle which is fantastic in itself to have a national company having its HQ here in Newcastle. I got to go on the simulator and I drove the train from Newcastle to Durham. It was great fun.
"It's fantastic hearing about the community engagement with a whole host of local companies be it the food and drink suppliers like Ringtons but also supporting local good causes and charities, it's really heartwarming."
Lumo has recently made news after securing approval from the rail regulator, the Office for Rail and Road, to run additional services between Newcastle and London as well as extend some of its services to connect with Glasgow.
The company has also recently announced a renewed partnership with the Newcastle Eagles and various other good causes in the city as well as securing accreditation to the Institute for Customer Service.
In relation to the recent expansion plans, a spokesperson for Lumo, said: “We are excited our plans to offer more great value services between Newcastle and London King’s Cross have been approved along with some Lumo services connecting with Glasgow for the very first time.
"The team at Lumo are proud to be helping encourage more people to travel by train to help protect the environment, enjoy great customer service and at affordable prices. We’re looking forward to welcoming more people onboard Lumo services from December and continuing our successful partnerships with the places we help better connect.”
In July Lumo was awarded the Clear Assured Bronze Standard, a globally-recognised standard that is awarded to businesses which can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and diversity.