Open access train operators Lumo and Hull Trains held an event at Parliament to celebrate how rail connectivity can boost opportunity, growth and social mobility.

Communities, charities, cultural organisations and businesses from across the two operators’ networks came together at a special parliamentary reception hosted by Labour MP Dr Scott Arthur. The event marked the launch of a new Social Mobility Impact Report from Lumo and Hull Trains.

Organisations represented at the event included Pride in Hull, North East Pride, Hull Freedom Festival, Edinburgh Science Festival, Hull Truck Theatre, Hull Maritime Museum, North East Museums, Newcastle Eagles, Doncaster Belles FC, Percy Hedley Foundation, Daft as a Brush, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, Life Science Centre Newcastle and Humber Street Sesh.

The operators believe that this demonstrates that strong rail connections support a wide range of communities, businesses, charities and cultural organisations.

The event was held in the Terrace Pavilion at the Palace of Westminster, and was also attended by MPs, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the transport sector.

Lumo and Hull Trains commissioned the report in partnership with The Purpose Coalition, which has also worked with other train operators on social mobility. It sets out how rail services help to facilitate economic growth and better access to education and employment, as well as helping communities to thrive.

The report highlights the positive contribution of rail to helping people to travel to jobs, skills, healthcare and leisure opportunities.

Lumo believes that the parliamentary launch comes at an exciting time, as it recently expanded its services onto the West Coast Main Line.

Rail connectivity is an essential part of creating opportunity and supporting growth in communities across the country. It is encouraging to see organisations such as Lumo and Hull Trains investing in research that highlights the wider societal benefits of rail and the important role it can play in improving social mobility.

The report was developed in partnership with The Purpose Coalition, a leading organisation focused on breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving outcomes for communities across the UK. I was delighted to host today’s event and trust that it will support the development of this work.

Dr Scott Arthur MP, who hosted the reception