Hull Trains has announced that they have been named the winners of the World Cup of Train Companies.
In the tournament, the train operator took on and beaten some of the UK's biggest train companies.
After winning the initial five rounds, in the final the company beat fellow FirstGroup operator Great Western Railway.
The competition featured 32 train operating companies. It was set up by a train enthusiast on Twitter, the winner of each heat was decided by a public vote on social media. Although the competition was created in the spirit of fun, the train operating company received support from the likes of Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, and BBC Radio Humberside's Burnsy.
Winning every round, including the final by significant margins, Hull Trains received an astonishing 80% of the 364 votes.
The award comes just days after Hull Trains announced two further services to Cottingham and Beverley from Monday, May 20th.
In addition to the 06:00 service from Beverley and the 18:48 service from London King's Cross, Hull Trains will now be extending its journey to and from Beverley on the 08:23 service from Hull and the 15:48 service from London King's Cross.
Louise Cheeseman, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said:
“There are few managing directors that can say that they're a World Cup winner.
“I'd like to thank everyone who voted for Hull Trains. We are delighted to have beaten the likes of Great Western Railway, Transport for London, Northern, Merseyrail and Eurostar.
“Our embattled Twitter team did very well to support the company in winning the World Cup by responding to people quickly and raising awareness about the products and services.”
“It is a clear sign that, despite the challenges we faced five-months ago, people still support Hull Trains and we are humbled by their response. It is testament to our staff and the experience our customers receive travelling with Hull Trains.
“Although we take recognition like this award very fondly, we are not complacent and will continue to work hard to sustain confidence by delivering on the basic promise of our timetable and offering a first-class experience.
“This should be further strengthened with new services and having recently secured the loan of two additional Intercity 125 High Speed Trains (HST) from Great Western Railway (GWR). The additional train will be included in order to improve the reliability of our Class 180s, which will be in service until the arrival of our new fleet in November.”
Where Next?
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Hull Trains
Visit their website
Well done, Hull Trains….and who needs men? Their own publicity states (page 25)-I quote: “If we had a majority male board this would have the potential to restrict thinking and hinder innovation.” I wonder how that statement would sit if the genders had been reversed. After nearly 200 years of predominantly male railway innovation I don’t think we men have much to apologise for. Personal view, and I wish the ladies well, but please ease back from feminist agendas.
I think Hull Trains will still be getting their new Class 802 Bi-Mode IET fleet even though they have won the World Cup of Train Companies award. Which is due to be in service from December.