Renaissance Trains
Renaissance Trains was formed in 1997 with the specific purpose of promoting and investing in "open access" passenger and freight rail businesses, as well as promoting and investing in rail industry innovation. Its shareholders are four highly-experienced career railway managers.Renaissance Trains was the originator of the Hull Trains open access business which was established in September 2000 to offer a direct service between Hull, the Humber region and London. Hull Trains has successfully predicted rising demand, and now carries around 500,000 passengers each year. It is widely recognised as providing outstanding customer
service and has invested £36m in state-of-the-art rolling stock.
In September 2007 the UK’s Office of Rail Regulation gave the go-ahead for Wrexham & Shropshire, which will be the UK’s third open access rail operator. Wrexham & Shropshire is a 50:50 joint venture between the four shareholders of Renaissance Trains and Laing Rail, and will provide up to five direct passenger services from Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Telford and Tame Bridge Parkway (in the West Midlands) to London from Spring 2008.
Renaissance Trains is also promoting new passenger services from Glasgow to Liverpool / Nottingham, and between the Humber Coast, Lincoln and the City of London, which it is hoped will be operational in 2008.
Renaissance Trains has advised and assisted many promoters with future service proposals including proposals for improved cross-London links, rail development in the Stansted Corridor, and specific schemes at locations such as Robin Hood Airport in South Yorkshire.
Renaissance Trains also offers thorough experience in freight operations, including in the Freight Multiple Unit (FMU) concept, and has been instrumental in securing track access rights for freight operations.