An investigation has been launched into an incident on Easter Sunday when a London-bound Lumo service made an emergency stop at Peterborough. Passengers complained of minor injuries and luggage was thrown off racks. Lumo, which is an open access operator owned by FirstGroup, said the train involved was the 08.20 from Newcastle to London King's Cross. Passengers were evacuated from the train at Peterborough and taken on to London by other services, while the next down Lumo service from London which should have been worked by the train involved was cancelled. Police said 15 passengers had been slightly hurt, but it is not thought that the train or track was damaged. The details have been sent to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
‘Great British Rail Sale’ starts today
A million off-peak Advance tickets at sharply discounted prices were going on sale at 10.00 today. They will be valid for journeys on certain routes and trains from 25 April to 27 May. Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ’For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50 per cent off.’ The new deals were welcomed by transport campaigners but they have been criticised by unions and opposition politicians because they will not help commuters and will end before the long Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: ’This temporary respite will be small comfort to passengers who had thousands taken out of their pockets from soaring fares since 2010.’