Hull Trains supported a record number of sports fans in May, with special non-stop services for Hull City and Hull KR’s finals in London.
An impressive 8,500 customers in Hull, Brough, Cottingham and Beverley travelled with the operator during the two key sporting weekends for the clubs – an additional 17,000 journeys.
Hull Trains added nearly twenty percent more capacity on the weekend of Hull City’s victorious Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough, providing nearly 3,000 extra seats for customers. Hull Trains has supported the club for a number of years, with a partnership focused on driving interest in the city.
Hull Trains also added 14% extra capacity the following weekend for Hull KR’s Challenge Cup Final, offering over 2,000 additional seats for fans. The support for the club follows a recent Hull KR episode on the ‘Moving Minds’ podcast with Gemma Oaten, the operator’s mental health podcast recorded on real train journeys.
The enhanced services are an example of Hull Trains’ adaptability and resilience as an open access rail operator. The company doesn’t receive any government funding, with all of its revenue self-driven. Hull Trains worked with its sister operator Lumo, which ordinarily provides services between Scotland and London on the East and West Coast, to deliver the extra capacity.
Players from both clubs also chose to travel in style to London King’s Cross with Hull Trains, enjoying delicious complimentary food and drink and the service that the company is famous for, recently being awarded ‘Operator of the Year’ at the Spotlight Rail Awards.
Nathan Rayne, Interim Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our local teams and the success of both Hull KR and Hull City is a real asset to our home city. We’re a long-term partner of both clubs, as well as Hull FC, so supporting fans as they travelled to both finals was something we were determined to do.
“Delivering these services is an example of the hard work and adaptability of our dedicated team and the feedback from fans has been outstanding. I’d like to thank everyone who chose to travel with us to champion their local clubs.”
Hull Trains offers affordable travel to destinations including Beverley, Hull, Doncaster, Grantham, Selby and London King’s Cross with eight direct weekday train services. The operator’s combination of sustainability with affordable fares, excellent service and support for local communities has proved to be a winning formula.