Open access operator Lumo has operated what it says is the UK’s highest-capacity domestic intercity train, carrying more than 1,540 passengers on a sold-out return service between Edinburgh and London.
The special 10-coach train, which ran on Saturday 4 July, accommodated 772 passengers in each direction between Edinburgh Waverley, Newcastle and London King’s Cross, demonstrating how longer trains could help meet growing demand on the East Coast Main Line.
The trial comes as rail passenger numbers continue to recover across Britain and follows the launch of Lumo’s new West Coast Main Line services between London Euston and Stirling.
Testing higher-capacity services
Customers travelling on the 08:26 departure from Edinburgh and the returning 14:15 service experienced Lumo’s refurbished interiors ahead of the introduction of Starlink satellite Wi-Fi across its East Coast fleet later this autumn.
The operator says the longer formation highlights the flexibility of the open access model, allowing additional capacity to be introduced without public subsidy.
Lumo estimates the fully electric service saves around 189 tonnes of CO₂e compared with the equivalent number of passengers travelling by domestic air, with rail journeys producing up to 96% fewer emissions than flying.
Growing demand for open access rail
The capacity trial follows a period of expansion for Lumo, including the introduction of services between London and Stirling, creating around 100 new jobs and extending the operator’s footprint beyond the East Coast Main Line.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “As an open access operator, we’re always looking for new ways we can provide affordable and reliable services to even more customers. Our team have worked hard to make this record-breaking return service happen and I think it’s a clear example of how we can benefit the wider rail network.
“Lumo and its sister operator Hull Trains are going from strength to strength in 2026, with industry-leading customer satisfaction and a number of other exciting developments helping enhance the customer experience. As we head into the summer, we look forward to welcoming even more customers with us in the coming weeks.”
Supporting connectivity and sustainable travel
Business and transport leaders said increasing capacity on the East Coast Main Line would strengthen connectivity between Scotland, the North East and London while encouraging more sustainable travel.
John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said the trial represented “a really positive step for connectivity”, benefiting businesses, tourism and communities along the route.
Transform Scotland Director Colin Howden added that making better use of existing rail infrastructure is essential if more passengers are to be encouraged away from domestic flights and car travel.
Emma Reid, Commercial Director at Edinburgh Chamber, said the strong demand demonstrated the importance of providing greater capacity between major economic and cultural centres.
Record passenger growth
The trial follows the latest passenger statistics from the Office of Rail and Road, which recorded a 4% increase in rail journeys during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Among train operators, Lumo recorded the strongest percentage growth, with passenger numbers increasing by 23% year-on-year, from 0.3 million to 0.4 million journeys during the quarter.
Lumo was also recently named the UK’s leading rail operator for value for money in the latest national customer satisfaction survey.
Operating without government subsidy, the open access operator says the successful high-capacity trial demonstrates how commercial operators can respond flexibly to rising demand while providing affordable, low-carbon travel on one of Britain’s busiest intercity corridors.
