REIMAGINING RAIL
Welcome to Lumo, your new innovative rail service linking the iconic cities of Edinburgh, Newcastle and London. Our aim is to reimagine rail and to create a new way to travel for our customers that is better value, kinder to the environment and as time effective as taking a domestic flight. We aim to be more than just a "new rail service", we want to change and update many of the historic practices within the rail industry and adopt new technology in order to drive the highest levels of customer satisfaction and colleague engagement.
OUR COMMITMENT
This is our Customer Charter; our commitment to you and the provision of a standard of service which we hope not only exceeds your expectations, but also reassures you in your choice of how to travel.
OUR VISION
We want to offer an industry-leading service that makes the most of digital technology in both how we work and how customers can contact us and use our services. Fresh thinking and innovation are key to our vision. Our £100 million investment in 100% electric Hitachi trains shows our commitment to service, performance and environmental excellence. Indeed, when compared to flying between London and Edinburgh, we’re much less damaging to the environment, seat for seat, and can get you between those capital cities in the same time and at a great price. We’ve also selected and trained our colleagues so that they can understand our customer’s needs and can incorporate your thoughts and ideas into how we operate.
We want our business to be as accessible as possible, so we assess all of our plans to understand their impact on inclusivity. Our trains are designed for all, with two dedicated wheelchair user spaces, 52 priority seats and a single class system at low-cost pricing that will allow as many people to travel by rail as possible. Our colleagues have been handpicked from a diverse range of backgrounds and are trained to provide the best customer experience possible to our customers.
We’d love to hear what you think, to provide feedback on this Charter, or any other part of our service and how we can improve, so please get in touch via our dedicated form at Lumo Customer Contact
This Charter does not affect your legal rights, which are set out in the National Rail Conditions of Travel. Copies of this Customer Charter can be obtained on our website on our LumoGo app.
We want you to help us to shape our future, so if you have any comments, suggestions, praise or complaints, or you want to buy tickets or book assistance, we’re ready and waiting to listen and respond. We want to not only exceed your expectations, but also reassure you in your choice of how to travel.
We’ve created a variety of ways you can get in touch, so please choose the right one for you
Webform: Lumo Customer Contact
Twitter: @lumotravel
WhatsApp: 07816 123149 (between 06:00-23:00 only)
Email: Customerexperience@lumo.co.uk
Customer Relations: 0345 528 0409 (09:00 to 17:00 daily except Christmas and Boxing Day)
Retail Support: 0345 528 0409 (08:00 to 20:00 daily except Christmas and Boxing Day)
Passenger Assist: Please view Lumo's Accessible Travel Policy here.
Please also feel free to raise any feedback on your day of travel with our Customer Experience Ambassadors onboard. They are there to help and support you with any concerns or queries.
Whether you know where to travel, or you’re in need of some advice, you can get some inspiration from our destination guides which include some great ways to explore the places where we call.
Once you’ve decided to travel, we want to make it as easy and simple as possible for you to plan your journey. There are several handy planning tools which can help you get the information you need, so choose the most convenient one for you.
PLANNING TOOLS
Planning and booking directly through us via our website or app, will give you access to exclusive perks and there’s lots you can do on our website such as:
- Purchasing tickets
- Undertake door-to-door journey planning
- Get the best possible price
- Select your seat with our seat picker service
- Enhance your travel experience by having your luggage delivered to your final station or destination with LumoLuggage
- Benefit from Automatic Delay Repay (ADR) and apply for Delay Repay compensation
- Access live train information
- View timetables
- Getting information on forthcoming engineering works which affect our services
- Finding out which ticket best suits your needs
- Finding details about station facilities and opening times
- Give feedback about your journey with us
- Applying for refunds on tickets booked through our website or app
LUMOGO APP
Our smartphone and tablet app is a great source of information and you can do many of the things our website offers through this app, with the addition of purchasing tickets up to five minutes before you travel. Look for LumoGo on the Apple App store or Google Play.
LumoGo is also useful before and during your journey with us. You can check the status of the service, access our free Wi-Fi onboard and get live information about you trip, such as letting you know when your destination is near.
STATION INFORMATION
Find all the details about the stations we call in our Station Information section.
MULTI-MODAL TRAVEL
We are advocates of multi-modal travel and we know that your journey with us is just a small part of your trip. If you have a folding bike, you’re not required to book a space and you can place them in the luggage stack or racks located throughout our trains. This is just one of the ways we can help with your door-to-door multi-modal trip. You can also use our website and app for a door-to-door journey planner for travel in Britain using a combination of trains, buses, coaches, trams, ferries, walking and sharing schemes such as e-scooters or bikes.
PLANNED ENGINEERING WORKS
Occasionally essential maintenance work needs to be undertaken by Network Rail (who manages the infrastructure on the railway), to maintain and improve railway tracks, signals and structures. Engineering work usually takes place during quieter periods, so we always recommend you plan and check your journey before you travel. We work closely with Network Rail to plan such improvement work carefully in order to minimise the impact on your journey as far as possible.
When such work takes place, and this affects the operation of our services, we publish the details of this work on our website in advance (usually 12 weeks in advance or as soon as possible if notice is later than this), and at the stations we serve. A summary of the changes to our train services will also be available from National Rail Enquiries. Once you have booked your journey on our trains, if you book directly through us, we will notify you if we become aware of any changes.
Occasionally, it may be necessary to divert our services via a longer alternative route or use alternative accessible transport, e.g. buses, coaches or taxis instead of trains on some sections of your journey where there is no option of running a through train service. When this is the case, we will ensure that information is provided at the stations and online in advance. Please note that there may not be space for prams and pushchairs that do not fold. Heavy luggage and some animals may also not be conveyed.
EXCEPTIONS
We do not accept claims for compensation for variations to our normal timetable when we have published a revised timetable or offered alternative routes due to planned engineering work. The exception to this is where the replacement services themselves run late according to the revised timings or are cancelled. If unforeseen circumstances mean that we have to introduce an emergency timetable, then compensation arrangements will be based upon that timetable.
We use a simplified fares structure that has been designed to make it easy for you to get the best value ticket for your journey and a fair fare. We offer three types of tickets, LumoFixed tickets that are for a specific service, LumoFlex tickets allowing a fee free date change before the travel date, (£10 on the day charge) and flexible Anytime tickets, that allow you to use any of our services on the date of travel. Our single-leg priced approach will ensure you get the best price whether you book a single or return journey with us. Details of the different types of tickets available can be found on our website.
An easy way to purchase tickets is from our website or our app LumoGo.
If you forgot to pre-book your ticket, you can still buy one onboard without penalty. When travelling from a station with Automatic Ticket Gates, you can ask the operators to let you through and our Customer Experience Ambassadors onboard will advise you of the most appropriate ticket for your journey. We will sell you a ticket for your entire journey, whether you are travelling solely on our trains or using other train services as part of your trip. We do not, however, sell Advance tickets on board.
TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS
You must ensure that you are aware of any terms and conditions that apply to the type of ticket that you hold. Ticket retailers must also make these clear before completing your ticket purchase. If you have a LumoFixed ticket or LumoFlex, these are valid only on the date and train(s) shown. If you travel on an alternative service to that which you have booked with either a LumoFixed or LumoFlex ticket, you will be required to purchase a new ticket.
This applies unless disruption to services has resulted in the need to travel on a different train, and we, or another train operator’s colleagues, have authorised use of the ticket at no extra charge.
SEAT RESERVATIONS
When booking directly through us, you are able to choose your preferred seat through our seat picker option at the booking stage. This way, you can travel with peace of mind and look forward to a relaxing journey.
All the tickets that we sell for our own services will come with an auto assigned seat reservation with your preferences in mind, unless you decide to use our seat picker for the specific service that you have chosen. When booking a flexible ticket, you can change your reservation to another seat and train, free of charge. All Advance tickets holders are able to change their seat reservation, depending on the ticket type and the time you applied the change, an admin charge of £10 may apply in addition to the difference in ticket price for the new service they have chosen.
For any changes to seat reservations, please use our website, app or contact our Customer Experience team.
Children up to five can travel for free if accompanied by a ticket holder, but seat reservations cannot be made for them unless a ticket is purchased and they are expected to sit on an accompanying adult’s lap.
Our services are mandatory reservation. You can make a reservation up to 2 hours before departure, we do however have limited non-reserved seating available on all our services. Season ticket holders will be required to reserve a seat although this can only be done the day before travel (or on Fridays for travel on a Monday), from a staffed station. Bulk bookings of seats are not permitted for season ticket holders.
Where you purchase an Advance ticket for your journey within 2 hours of the train’s departure from its origin station, you may be given a ‘counted place’ (a seat on the train) and not a specifically identified seat. This may be marked as an asterisk ‘*’ on your ticket. You should therefore use any available seat which can be identified by a green light in the display above the seat.
RESERVATION RESTRICTIONS
Seats cannot be reserved for luggage or animals (apart from assistance dogs when booking with Passenger Assist). Our Customer Experience Ambassadors know which seats are reserved or have been left empty. They will offer those to anyone who may not have been able to book a seat before departure. You may only make one seat reservation per person, per train, as stated in section three of the National Rail Conditions of Travel.
If reserved seats are unavailable on our Lumo service because of a train being fully booked, you will be advised of this during the booking process by the ticket vendor.
SEAT PROMISE
If you have reserved a seat, but we do not provide your reserved seat and there is no alternative seat on the train we will compensate you should you have to stand for more than 30 minutes from the time you board the train. We will refund 50% of the relevant single ticket or relevant part of the return ticket for your journey in these circumstances. If a customer holding a First Class Any Permitted ticket boards our service, we will not provide any recompense between the cost of their ticket and the Standard Class fare and will charge the appropriate Standard Class fare, as our services are clearly advertised as offering Standard Class accommodation only. The First-Class ticket holder should seek a refund of their ticket (or portion of their ticket) from their original ticketing vendor. Please note that claims must be made within 28 days of the affected journey online or to our Customer Experience team.
We will not compensate you if there are no seats available on board the train and you have not made a reservation. Similarly, if you join our service with a valid flexible ticket (i.e., not an ‘Advance’ or other train-specific ticket) without having made a seat reservation, and no seats are available, we do not provide compensation to you.
MAKING SURE YOU HAVE A VALID TICKET
We do not operate a Penalty Fare scheme so you can come on board our trains and purchase your ticket with our Customer Experience Ambassadors. If you are purchasing a ticket onboard, please bear in mind that we do not accept cash. You will be able to pay by card, bank transfer, or through our online portal. Family or friends can also make the payment in your favour. However, if you cannot pay for your ticket, an Unpaid Fare Notice will be issued to you.If an Unpaid Fares Notice has been filed and you want to make an appeal, you should do so within 21 days of receiving the notice.
To ensure fairness, appeals are not handled by Lumo and are administered by an independent company. The independent appeals process is impartial. Appeals can be made by https://www.railpay.uk/ or in writing to:
FREEPOST LUMO REVENUE PROTECTION
Complaints about ticket sales will be dealt with if you bought your ticket from our website or app. Complaints about tickets bought from third party retailers or other train companies should be directed to them.
AT STATIONS
We do not manage any stations and therefore any services provided at the stations at which we call are the responsibility of the Station Facility Owner (SFO). We are advocates of the ‘One Team’ approach to managing stations, which means that we work closely and regularly engage with the Station Facility Owner and other operators at the stations we serve. For our customers, this means that whoever you speak to, or deal with at a station, they should respond to your query or request in the same way as we would, regardless of whom you are travelling with.
Further information relating to which company operates which station can be found in the table below. For up-to-date information, including interchange and onward travel options, please visit our station information page.
| Station | Station Operator | Telephone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Network Rail |
03457 114 141 |
|
|
Morpeth |
Northern | 0800 200 6060 | |
| Newcastle |
London North Eastern Railway | 03457 225 333 | www.lner.co.uk |
| Stevenage | Great Northern | 0345 026 4700 | www.greatnorthernrail.com |
| London King's Cross | Network Rail | 03457 114 141 | www.networkrail.co.uk |
ON OUR TRAINS
We want to make your journey as effortless and comfortable as possible when you travel with us, so here are further details of what you can expect from us on board.
At both London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley stations, boarding will commence at least 15 minutes before the train is due to depart.
Please remember that doors can close one minute before the advertised departure time, a barrier strap may also be used at some stations to restrict platform entry. For safety reasons, arriving after this time may mean boarding is denied enabling the drivers to safety dispatch the train service at its advertised time.
OUR ON-BOARD COLLEAGUES
On every train we have our Customer Drivers and our Customer Experience Ambassadors, who are there to make your journey easy and ensure your safety, security and comfort. We invest in our people by putting them through a comprehensive, focused customer experience training programme which ensures they have the right skills and aptitude to deliver excellent customer service.
TRAIN LAYOUT
Our seating plan can be found here.
Our trains are formed of five coaches, which are labelled A to E with the following designations:• Coach A contains standard and priority seating, two wheelchair user spaces and an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities
• Coach B contains standard and priority seating, a toilet with baby-changing facilities and an additional luggage storage
• Coach C contains standard and priority seating
• Coach D contains standard and priority seating, a toilet with baby-changing facilities and an additional luggage storage
• Coach E contains standard and priority seating and an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities
On occasion we may run our trains in a 10-carriage formation to provide additional capacity:
• Coach G contains standard and priority seating, two wheelchair user spaces and an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities
• Coach H contains standard and priority seating, a toilet with baby-changing facilities and an additional luggage storage
• Coach K contains standard and priority seating
• Coach L contains standard and priority seating, a toilet with baby-changing facilities and an additional luggage storage
• Coach M contains standard and priority seating and an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities
On rare occasions we may use alternative trains to those advertised above. Where this is the case, we will endeavour to inform customers in advance by email, on our website and via our app.
CLEANING
At Lumo we will do our very best to ensure that our trains are clean, well presented, comfortable with a full range of facilities available. Our Customer Experience Ambassadors will undertake regular, in transit, on the go cleaning together with our third-party cleaning team completing an extensive turn around clean at terminus stations, making sure all our trains are cleaned and remain clean whilst you travel. The train ventilation systems ensure a continuing supply of fresh air throughout the whole journey.
Cleanliness and hygiene are high on Lumo priorities and we target our cleaning, both in between services and throughout each journey. Our Customer Experience Ambassadors will ensure the environment is clean and have received clear training and guidance regarding standards that will make sure you can relax and feel comfortable during your travel experience. At regular intervals the Customer Experience Ambassadors will pass through the coaches collecting rubbish, disposing and where practicable, separating items for recycling. Additional deep cleaning will take place overnight prior to the next day’s service. All processes and practices are driven to enhance your travel experience.
CATERING
Once onboard, and after we depart the station, our Customer Experience Ambassadors will commence an at seat trolley service, you’ll be able to purchase a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and alcoholic refreshments while you sit back and relax. The range of products that we offer is as inclusive, sustainable, and local, but please bear in mind that our selection varies and is maybe subject to change. Our on-board trolley menu is available on our website, alternatively ask our onboard crew as they pass through the coach with the trolley service during your journey with us.
Our Customer Experience Ambassadors are able to accept most forms of card payments but please note that we don’t accept cash onboard our trains.
If, for any reason, we are unable to serve food and drinks on your service, we will endeavour to inform you in advance of your train departure. This information will be available through the Journey Check section of our website, our app and displayed on information screens on platforms. We will also give you a full refund to your method of payment for any items we cannot provide.
WIFI
We’re delighted to offer free on-board Wi-Fi for all our customers. Should you experience any problems with this facility, please speak to one of our Customer Experience Ambassadors or contact the Wi-Fi support desk through the following channels:.
- lumo.support@icomera.com
- 0208 028 0520
Whilst we strive to make this service available on all our trains, we do not provide compensation for any problems associated with the provision of this complimentary facility. We aim to have a good Wi-Fi connection on board however at times due to the speed and going through many tunnels this may be intermittent at times.
ANIMALS
We welcome your pets onboard our trains. Dogs will need to be kept on leads and other small domestic animals must always travel in a fully enclosed basket that does not exceed 85 x 60 x 60 cm. Please bear in mind that we cannot make a seat reservation for animals (apart for assistance dogs).
We also provide water bowls and stool bags, please ask one of our colleagues who will be able to give you some. Our Customer Experience Ambassadors will make sure that areas where pets have been kept are thoroughly cleaned.
Where a rail replacement service is operated it may not be possible to convey some animals, so please check with us prior to travel on our website or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
LUGGAGE
Here at Lumo, we understand you may wish to keep your luggage close by, and that what you are travelling with is important, but depending on the size this may not always be possible. We encourage all our customers to travel light for their ease, safety and comfort as space is limited onboard. All customers can bring on board a maximum of ONE Small bag OR Holdall that can fit under the seat in front or on the customers lap, together with and ONE Medium suitcase (63 x 41 x 27cm) to be stored in the overhead racks, in the end of coach racks or vestibule bulk storage unit. Golf clubs, sports equipment, musical instruments, sports items that exceed the specified luggage dimensions and electronic riding suitcases are not allowed onboard.
You can further find details at www.lumo.co.uk/plan-your-journey/onboard-luggage-policy
Please be considerate with the amount and weight of luggage you bring with you. Our Lumo and our industry partners’ colleagues due to safe practises, are unable to lift or carry heavy item(s) of luggage.
Please note, luggage that exceeds these limits is carried at our discretion and you may be refused travel. A charge will be levied for conveying additional items of luggage, or for excessively large or bulky items. This will not exceed half a full adult Standard Class fare for the entire train route. Any luggage unsafely stored overheard and not according to the dimensions provided is stored at your own risk and we ask that you do not cause a risk to others' safety.
Enjoy a lightweight and hassle-free journey without all the extra baggage. For an additional cost, our door-to-door luggage courier service delivers any bags that cannot fit onboard our trains (that is, if you’re taking more than one small bag and a suitcase). We take your luggage from your front door right to your hotel, accommodation, or wherever you choose.
When booked customers will receive a 10% discount, our partners, First Luggage, will then arrange for your luggage to be collected anywhere in the world and delivered to your chosen destination address without hassle or stress.
Pushchairs
Pushchairs are welcomed onboard but will need to be collapsed and stored in the luggage storage areas. For safety reasons sleeping babies & toddlers must travel on an adult’s lap.
We would like to remind you not to store any luggage or prams in the dedicated wheelchair user spaces or around the exit door areas.
Bicycles
Lumo do not accept non-foldable bicycles. Only foldable bikes, including foldable e-bikes, with a frame 90x68x40cm and 20" wheel, can be stored onboard., however we have partnered with First Luggage to transport your bicycles anywhere you need them – for a quote to transport your bicycle to your destination please visit LumoLuggage
Folding bikes are welcomed onboard Lumo and will not be subject to prebooking requirements. Just pack your bike up before boarding the train and store it in the luggage stores or stacks located throughout the train.
For the safety of all onboard:
• Charging of folding e-bikes is not permitted on the train.
• The e-bike battery must not be removed from the e-bike (unless designed to do so for folding purposes – e.g. a Brompton folding bike)
• An e-bike with a damaged battery cannot be carried.
• Spare e-bike batteries cannot be carried.
• Electrically modified or adapted e-bikes are not permitted on trains.
• Ensuring the folding E-bike does not block entrances, exits or aisleway access for passengers
• Do not lock your e-bike to any part of the train, in case of the need to remove the bike quickly from the train in an emergency
• In the event of an e-bike battery fire, evacuate the area, then follow the relevant on-board procedure to notify the driver or train crew (see nearby posters or signage for an emergency)
E-Scooters
E-Scooters, both folding and non-folding, are not permitted on board Lumo services.
LOST PROPERTY
Our Customer Experience Ambassadors will be visible across the train throughout your journey. If they notice any lost property, they will proactively seek to identify their owner and reconcile them with it. However, if they haven’t managed to do so before you left our train, your property will be handed in at the train’s final destination station, at either London King’s Cross, Newcastle (if the train terminates there) or Edinburgh Waverley. If the train is terminated short of its final destination, we may also hand this in at the terminating station.
If you lose an item, please use this table to identify where your property is likely to be and contact them directly.
|
Station |
Operator |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Edinburgh Waverley |
Excess Baggage Company |
Platform two near the Carlton Road entrance |
Mon – Sun 09:00 – 17:30 |
0330 024 0215 |
|
Morpeth |
Northern |
Ticket office |
Mon – Fri 06:30 - 17:30 |
0800 200 6060 |
| Newcastle | London North Eastern Railway |
Main concourse |
Mon – Sat 06:15 – 21:00 |
01163 663 587 |
|
Stevenage |
Great Northern |
Ticket office
|
Mon – Sun 07:00 – 22:00 |
0345 026 4700 |
| London King’s Cross | Excess Baggage Company | Main concourse | Mon-Sun 09:00 – 17:30 | 0330 024 0215 |
DAMAGE TO LUGGAGE
Any Luggage that you bring with you onboard our trains is your responsibility. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, we don’t provide any compensation.
All property is left at the owner’s risk. East Coast Trains Limited trading as Lumo is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to property.
SECURITY
We want you to feel safe and secure when travelling with Lumo, take a read of how we intend to do that on our dedicated webpage here.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted on board any of our services and any station we call at, including the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping devices.
We want to provide service excellence and an easy, convenient way for everyone to travel. If you think you will need some help for your trip, you can plan it in advance with the help of our dedicated Passenger Assist team. Assistance can be arranged to help you with accessing the station, where staffed, getting on and off the train and carrying your luggage.
If you haven’t booked Passenger Assist before coming to the station, you can still use the Turn Up and Go service offered at the station. The station team will be able to assist you on or off the train and provide you with the help you need. Please bear in mind that this service is dependent on the availability of the station colleagues as they might need to finish some of their duties before being able to assist you.
Dedicated wheelchair user spaces and priority seating are available on board our trains. These and any further assistance required can be booked using these channels:
• Via our webform: www.railhelp.co.uk/lumo/passenger-assist
• By the Transreport App (available through the app store)
• By email: Passengerassistance@lumo.co.uk
• By WhatsApp: 07816 123149 (between 06:00-23:00 only)
• By phone : 0800 031 8542 (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day when we are closed)
• By text relay: 18001 0800 031 8542
To make sure that our colleagues can give you the best service and notify you if there is anything that will affect your journey, we recommend booking assistance up to two hours before your journey.
We encourage booking at least the day before travel as we may not always be able to guarantee the wheelchair user space availability when a train may have left its origin station, with reservations already uploaded and displayed before a booking for a has been made. Wheelchair user spaces are limited so we will expect prams and luggage to be moved to ensure access for wheelchair/scooter users, so that they can be accommodated. Our colleagues will request that items left in these areas are promptly removed and stored in an alternative area should a wheelchair user require the space with no previous reservation.
For full details of our ‘Accessible Travel Policy’, which provides details of our commitments to making our services accessible. You can also find our passenger leaflet ‘Making Rail Accessible’ from our website or alternatively by calling the Passenger Assist team, or at staffed stations at which we call.
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
We offer our Accessible Travel Policy in alternative formats, specifically:
- Audio
- Large Print
- Easy Read
- Braille
- British Sign Language videos
You can ask for an alternative format by contacting our Customer Experience team or Passenger Assist team. We will respond to your request within 7 days.
In order to ensure that our Customer Charter is written so that it provides the clearest possible information, we will apply for the Crystal Mark of approval.
FAMILIES AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Expectant mothers whilst travelling onboard with Lumo if you require assistance or support, please speak to one of our Customer Experience Ambassadors who will be more than happy to help you find a seat.
All our trains have toilets with a baby-change table inside them. If you require support lifting your folded pushchair onto the platform or onto our train, the Customer Experience Ambassadors will help you, as long as they are physically able to do so and that you can remove and carry your child separately.
We want to ensure the highest possible standards of service and lead the rail industry in both innovation and sustainability. We’ve therefore committed to key targets in a number of areas.
PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY
We work closely with our industry partners, notably Network Rail and other Train Operating Companies to deliver the timetable that we advertise each and every day. We understand that you want a punctual and reliable service, and we want you to be able to count on us to provide this. .
We have set a target that our trains will arrive within ten minutes of their planned arrival time. The performance of our service is reported to and scrutinised by several governance bodies every four weeks.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SERVICE STANDARDS
We want you to receive a full and timely response to your query, comment or complaint, so we have set out clear response targets in our Complaints Handling Procedure.
We also use a variety of indicators, from the Rail Delivery Group’s regular satisfaction measures, to our own post journey surveys, together with Mystery Shopper survey scheme feedback. These all help us to understand what you think of our service provision.
SUSTAINABILITY
This is one of our core values. We look at all we do, and make sure that we understand and minimise the impact of our actions on the planet. Our trains are 100% electric and are therefore very environmentally friendly. When travelling with us between London and Edinburgh, your journey will, on average, emit much less CO2 than other modes of travel.
But we know that this is not the only area where we can make a difference. Our catering partner has been selected in line with our vision and values with particular emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, sourcing local produce as much as possible. All packaging we use will be recycled so it’s good for your cravings and good for the planet
We are committed to key environmental principles which reduce the impact of our operations both locally and for the benefit of our wider planet. We are empowering people to make low carbon travel choices that are affordable.
Our headquarters at Central Square South, has a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method rating of Excellent.
Sometimes our trains become affected by service disruption which can result from a variety of reasons, but rest assured we will always try to ensure the impact of the delay is kept to an absolute minimum. This section describes what we will do when our train services are disrupted or delayed.
As soon as our Customer Experience Ambassadors know what is happening, and what the impact is likely to be, they will let you know. They will also be able to provide information regarding the best options for you to complete your journey.
Train running information and incident updates can be obtained from the following:
• From our ‘X’ team @LumoTravel
• Live Journey Checker
• From our LumoGo App
• On our website www.lumo.co.uk
• The National Rail website
• By calling National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50
WEATHER
Weather can affect your travel plans at times and unfortunately is beyond our control, although we will ensure that you are kept up to date on our website, through our ‘X’ @LumoTravel page or from National Rail Enquiries. Our Customer Experience Ambassadors will also be able to help you onboard and keep everyone up to date.
CONNECTIONS AND LAST SERVICES
If your journey with us is delayed and you are no longer able to make your planned connection, we will help with re-planning your journey to minimise the delay. In some cases, this may need to involve alternative transport to enable you to reach your destination.
Where a delay or cancellation of our service means that you have missed the last connection of the day, or that you will not reach your destination at a reasonable time with no public transport running, we will either arrange for transport back to where you started your journey (and then allow you to travel the next day) or to your destination. If this is not possible, we will provide overnight accommodation so that you can travel the next day. We will aim to make these arrangements for you at our cost. If we do not make those arrangements for you and you make them yourself, then we will pay your reasonable and proportionate costs for:
• Alternative travel
•A hotel where this is a reasonable step for you to take as an alternative to completing your journey
You may still choose to make more expensive arrangements at your own cost.
If you decide not to travel as a result of a delay or cancellation of your service, and if we sold you the ticket, we will give you a full refund; otherwise, you should seek a refund from the point of purchase (unless this is the return portion of your ticket, in which case we will refund this).
In circumstances where your train is delayed by 60 minutes or more, we will provide complimentary non-alcoholic drinks where we have them available.
When your journey with us is delayed by 30 minutes or more, we’ll provide you compensation for the inconvenience that you have experienced. All ticket holders may apply for Delay Repay compensation. The level of compensation is outlined below:
| Length of Delay* |
Compensation |
|---|---|
|
0-29 minutes’ delay |
No compensation is due |
|
30-59 minutes’ delay |
Compensation of at least 50% of the cost of a single ticket or 50% of the relevant portion of a return ticket |
|
60 or more minutes’ delay |
Compensation of at least 100% of the cost of a single ticket or 100% of the relevant portion of a return ticket |
*A journey may include conveyance by other Train Operating Companies (TOC) services or alternative transport as per our contingency plans where our services have been cancelled or delayed. These plans are advertised through our Live Journey Checker
We offer different ways for you to receive your compensation, including as charity donations.
CLAIMING DELAY REPAY
The easiest and quickest way to claim for Delay Repay compensation is through our website. Our online claims system allows you to claim with an account so that your details are retained to make the process for claiming easier should you need to claim again in future.
AUTOMATED DELAY REPAY
If you have purchased your ticket through our website with your registered Lumo account or LumoGo, then you can get your Automated Delay Repay compensation if your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more and you don’t need to submit a claim.
You're eligible for Automated Delay Repay if:
• Booked an Advance ticket through www.lumo.co.uk or through the LumoGo app.
• Made your journey including at least one leg travelling with us.
• Previously registered to receive Auto Delay Repay using the same email address as used with your Lumo account.
If you're delayed by 30 minutes or more, we'll process a claim for you automatically within 24 hours of your journey. We'll then send you an email asking you to confirm the details of your journey. Once you've confirmed your journey, we'll process your payment. This can take up to five working days.
NON-AUTOMATED DELAY REPAY
Compensation claim forms can be downloaded from our website. Please send us the completed form to Freepost LUMO DELAY REPAY, along with the original ticket(s) and seat reservation(s) or full booking confirmation if held, as proof of your journey.
Applications must be made within 28 days of the date of the delay; any applications made outside of this will not be accepted.
When delayed and you have a paper ticket, please ensure that, where your journey involves an Automatic Ticket Gate, you show your ticket to a colleague rather than using the gate, so that you can keep your ticket to submit it for compensation.
We expect to provide a formal response to all applications within a month of receiving your claim and provide payment within 14 days of your claim being agreed (which may not be the same date as your claim being received), as per the National Rail Conditions of Travel.
Making an application does not mean that you will be entitled to compensation; however, we will contact you explaining the reason for not being eligible if this is the case.
Customers with a combination of tickets for one journey will be compensated for their full journey if one of their tickets involves travel with us on a delayed service.
If you have a Season Ticket valid for travel on our trains, please include a copy of the ticket with your application and a copy of your photo ID card. Season Ticket holders should claim compensation in respect of each individual journey on which they are delayed and include the details of the specific train on which they were travelling.
EXCLUSIONS
If there are delays and cancellations, we will always try to tell you before you buy a ticket. Therefore, we do not normally accept a claim if you knew there was disruption, then purchased a ticket and travelled using that ticket.
In line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel, where Lumo is at fault, we will consider additional compensation for any losses or extra costs caused by the cancellation or delay to our services. Please complete the feedback form on our website if you believe this is the case.
CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT
You must not seek to recover the same money twice, for example both under our claims process and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. However, claiming compensation using our reclaims process does not affect any additional statutory rights you may have, for example under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, where we as a company are at fault.
For more information on the Consumer Rights Act and how it applies to the railway industry please see the FAQ produced by National Rail, which also contains a link to the National Rail Conditions of Travel
FLIGHTS/FERRIES AND INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
When travelling for flights, ferry services or other international connections, e.g., Eurostar, we strongly recommend planning your journey to allow for any transfer time from the arrival railway station, plus at least 2.5 hours before the last check-in time closes at the arrival airport/ferry /international station.
TICKET REFUNDS DURING SERVICE DISRUPTION
If the train you planned to catch is cancelled or significantly delayed, or your reservation will not be honoured, and as a result you decide not to travel, then you can return unused tickets to the original place of purchase for a refund in full within 28 days of the ticket’s expiry. The same applies if disruption prevents you from completing a journey that you have started, and you return to the starting point. Advance tickets also qualify for a refund in such cases. A full refund will be made without any administration fee. Details of how to claim are in the refunds section of this document.
Advance tickets are non-refundable, except in cases of disruption as detailed in the service disruption section. If you have purchased an Advance ticket and your train is cancelled or delayed by more than 60 minutes, alternative arrangements will be made for you to travel on another train if you still wish to travel. In such circumstances, a seat cannot be guaranteed. If you prefer, you can claim a full refund without an administration fee.
If you decide not to travel for any other reason, when your train was running normally, and your ticket is not an Advance ticket, you may be eligible for a refund. In such circumstances, refund applications must be made through the original retailer and the unused tickets must be provided. We always recommend that you check the terms and conditions of your ticket before you buy it.
An administration fee of £10 per ticket for Advance tickets £5 for LumoAny tickets post departure claim or per transaction (for all other tickets), may be applied and you must submit your ticket for refund within 28 days of the expiry date of ticket.
If you bought your ticket(s) through our website, app, or if you have not printed your tickets out, refund applications can be made online (for tickets to be printed at the station or m-tickets purchased through the app).
If you bought your ticket(s) from us by telephone or on board our trains, please post your ticket(s) along with a covering letter to us at: Freepost LUMO DELAY REPAY
For any printed tickets, the unused ticket(s) and seat reservation(s), along with your booking reference and refund form will need to be returned to: Freepost LUMO DELAY REPAY
Please note that all refund payments should be made within 28 days.
Following your journey, we may contact you to check how it went and if there was anything we could have done differently or in a better way.
Where you do experience an issue with any element of our service provision, we will always try to resolve it as soon as possible; be it by one of our Customer Experience Ambassadors on our trains; our online support teams our Customer Relations team.
The feedback that you provide is taken very seriously, so sometimes we may need a little more time to investigate or consider matters fully. We will provide an explanation as to the reasons behind any failing that we identify once we have investigated. We aim to achieve this within 20 working days, if not sooner, and we will keep you informed of progress if it takes longer than this to investigate. Our specific Complaints Handling Procedure.
All the feedback we receive is recorded, reviewed and reported to our Managing Director and the Senior Management team. It is then summarised and presented monthly to our Company Board Directors who assess trends and inform our business strategy as a result.
You can appeal to the Rail Ombudsman if:
• You are unhappy with our final response to your complaint which will be contained in a letter or email (sometimes called a ‘deadlock letter’); or
• We have not resolved your complaint within 40 working days of receiving it; and
• No more than 12 months have passed since we sent you our final response.
There are some complaints that the Rail Ombudsman will not be able to investigate, for example if they are about the way one of our services has been designed, industry policy, or if your complaint relates to an event which took place before the Rail Ombudsman service was established. If that is the case, then they will contact you to let you know. If possible, they will transfer your complaint to another organisation that may be able to help you further, such as Transport Focus or London TravelWatch (the latter covers London King’s Cross and Stevenage). The organisations are independent consumer watchdogs for the rail industry. They will independently review your complaint and where appropriate, follow things up on your behalf.
RAIL OMBUDSMAN
| Website | railombudsman.org |
|---|---|
| X | @RailOmbudsman |
| Email |
info@railombudsman.org |
| Tel | 0330 094 0362 |
| Textphone | 0330 094 0363 |
| Post | FREEPOST Rail Ombudsman |
TRANSPORT FOCUS
| Website | transportfocus.org.uk |
|---|---|
| advice@transportfocus.org.uk | |
| X | @TransportFocus |
| Tel | 0300 123 2350 |
| Post |
Transport Focus Freepost RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ PO Box 5594 Southend On Sea SS1 9PZ |
LONDON TRAVELWATCH
| Website | londontravelwatch.org.uk |
|---|---|
| Enquiries@londontravelwatch.org.uk | |
| X | @lontravelwatch |
| Tel | 020 3176 2999 |
| Post | London TravelWatch Freepost RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ PO Box 5594 Southend On Sea SS1 9PZ |
You also have rights under the Rail Passengers’ Rights and Obligations Regulation (EC No 1371/2007) (PRO), as it applies in UK law. The PRO incorporates the ‘Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Rail’ (commonly known as “CIV”). For an overview of these rights please visit the European Commission's information website about passenger rights:
The Office of Rail and Road (www.orr.gov.uk) is the National Enforcement Body for the PRO.
