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Lumo - Qualified Driver - Newcastle (17/01/24)

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AJ240395

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Can I ask a few questions as I’m interested in applying;

What is the basic salary?
How many lodges on average do you get per month?
Do you get a lodge allowance or is your board paid for?
Are there any “lodge spares”?
Is RDW readily available?
 
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RailUK Forums

Y

Yfg132

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AJ240395 said:
Can I ask a few questions as I’m interested in applying;

What is the basic salary?
How many lodges on average do you get per month?
Do you get a lodge allowance or is your board paid for?
Are there any “lodge spares”?
Is RDW readily available?
Click to expand...
From what I know it's a 64k basic but can receive a 10% bonus based on some criteria (others may know more than me)

Lodging is inclusive of the salary and paid for.
 
T

theironroad

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Not quite so sure why there is so much vitriol here against Lumo, sure it might not be for everyone but even for qualifieds its not exactly a bad deal (pension aside).

Tbh, working for Lumo would be a refreshing change for some people considering the amount of politics, baggage and negativity that can be found at some TOC depots.
 
B

baz962

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I think it sounds pretty good. £64 is not bad considering some pay lot less . I wouldn't mind occasional lodging. I probably couldn't get the wife to move to Newcastle though and I would hope they recruit at kings cross one day , if I was looking to change TOCs.
 
357

357

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theironroad said:
Not quite so sure why there is so much vitriol here against Lumo, sure it might not be for everyone but even for qualifieds its not exactly a bad deal (pension aside).

Tbh, working for Lumo would be a refreshing change for some people considering the amount of politics, baggage and negativity that can be found at some TOC depots.
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Various posts have been removed but this thread in a way has been good to dispell some of the myths.

Lumo might want to do a better job of this on their adverts to get a wider range of applicants. The main thing putting me off was the shift pattern and short shifts/lots of days at work, while correct at the time has clearly changed since. If I was looking to move again, Lumo is somewhere I would now consider. Decent traction and a decent route.

I also work for a company that many on this forum love to hate, but I absolutely love it there. Treated like an adult and much better roster/diagrams than I had before. But I digress, we will wave at each other during the week ;)
 
N

notadriver

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AJ240395 said:
Can I ask a few questions as I’m interested in applying;

What is the basic salary?
How many lodges on average do you get per month?
Do you get a lodge allowance or is your board paid for?
Are there any “lodge spares”?
Is RDW readily available?
Click to expand...

Drop me a message - I can answer these.
 
Driver068

Driver068

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My personal opinion is the issues many have with LUMO lie deeper than shift patterns and cleaning tables (No, this is not aimed at anyone in this thread - Just a General observation)

From the outset when LUMO or East Coast Trains Ltd as it was then broke onto the scene and even in the early stages of starting the proposed services, many have wanted them to fall flat and fail and to today this is still seems to be the case.

As a driver I find every TOC differs, all have pro's and con's, so it depends on what suits that particular individual. We all Drivers get paid remarkably well with some decent time off so helping out to clean tables or help the ambassadors is not the end of the world. However there has to be a line where no one is taken advantage of. We all are responsible to research respective TOCs/FOCs to get a understanding of what the job entails. Then we make a educated guess. I don't see many bashing GC or Freight as much as LUMO where night shifts, lodge's and helping on board takes place. I think too many want the wage but not to do the job at hand.

Personally I like the approach of LUMO and yes it's different. However 64k plus 10% bonus (if true) and a good RDW agreement is not bad. With OAO there is a greater risk than from other TOCs and covid has proven this.

I'm sure LUMO have done alot of good for local communities and those who choose to travel with them, but the focus is generally on the negative. They seem to be out performing many TOCs in terms of passanger numbers and with the proposed extra services in December and HT proposed Sheffield route shows they are here to stay.


Back to the thread in hand it would ge interesting to hear about life in general is lime for a Driver and the general day to day aspect of the role. Would be interesting to compare to the likes of LNER or GC and see what or If the general differences are for a Driver which may assist in those wanting to jump.
 
357

357

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Driver068 said:
many have wanted them to fall flat and fail and to today this is still seems to be the case.
Click to expand...
It's the case for lots of open access for some reason.
I remember when people on here were posting about paid seat reservations and "Ryanair of the rails" etc.
 
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Efini92

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43066 said:
Just to confirm, is this part of the railway pension that people working for TOCs benefit from (looks like it isn’t)?

I suspect that is what was being asked about.
Click to expand...
No, ours is a defined benefit scheme.
 
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RollingStock19

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357 said:
I also work for a company that many on this forum love to hate,
Click to expand...

Its a shame isn't it, I fell for that whole "railway family" crap until about a week after qualifying. I have to say the worst offenders are LNER.. although they are getting better you find that most LNER staff (not all, and not all depots... but most) would rather look at the floor when they walk past you rather than say "Good Morning!" However have no problem asking for a lift home during disruption when we've been the only service running.

Its almost like some TOCs take it personally that theres a new kid on the block, that does things a little differently to the more traditional ones.

A colleague was telling me recently they had a friend at LNER and they had a swear jar on training, everytime you said LUMO you had to put £1 in the jar hahaha I have also personally been refused PASS on LNER because I work for Lumo, thats why Lumo actually buy tickets on other TOCs now if we pass, because LNER used to charge us (and full bloody fare lol)
Like I say though, it is getting better... but I can count on one hand the amount of drivers who actually wave back at you on the ECML!
 
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craigybagel

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Evolution said:
I'd categorise them in the same bracket as your ROG, DC rail and those sort of companies, might be ok for some old boys who've cashed their pensions in and want a bit of high speed action on the ECML.

They are the sort of company to get a key do a few years and get out IMO. That's why I think they will struggle to recruit qualifieds, you'd choose Grand Central or Hull trains out of the OA operators over Lumo.
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Struggling to see why you think LUMO would be a worse choice than GC or Hull Trains?

Arguably better traction than the former and the same as the latter.
Longer route card than both.
Lodging involved at all so no real difference there.
LUMO have PRIV which as far as I know makes them the only open access to offer that - plus the usual First Group travel perks.
Not sure how well pay and T&C's compare but overall seems like a pretty decent package, certainly doesn't seem to deserve the vitriol.
If I had a reason and the ability to transfer to Newcastle I'd definitely consider it....
 
357

357

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whoosh said:
Hull Trains are on £68,134 as per advert quoted earlier in the thread.
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Ah yes, the advert that I copy and pasted here :oops:

In my defence it was 4am when I posted that lol
 
43066

43066

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RollingStock19 said:
Realistically, if you're on 70k a year an LNER, why would you be looking to jump ship? So no need to sell...
But if you're at another TOC, maybe moved away to drive trains and now want to come home, it may appeal.

Like I've said before, different TOCs offer different things... not every TOC is suited for every person, and not every person is suited for every TOC
Click to expand...

There will be potential reasons I guess - about to be sacked etc. or (LNER aside) people off the freight who want to go to passenger, those who are desperate to relocate to Newcastle. And potentially Northern/Tyne and Wear who earn less.

RollingStock19 said:
Its a shame isn't it, I fell for that whole "railway family" crap until about a week after qualifying. I have to say the worst offenders are LNER.. although they are getting better you find that most LNER staff (not all, and not all depots... but most) would rather look at the floor when they walk past you rather than say "Good Morning!" However have no problem asking for a lift home during disruption when we've been the only service running.

Its almost like some TOCs take it personally that theres a new kid on the block, that does things a little differently to the more traditional ones.

A colleague was telling me recently they had a friend at LNER and they had a swear jar on training, everytime you said LUMO you had to put £1 in the jar hahaha I have also personally been refused PASS on LNER because I work for Lumo, thats why Lumo actually buy tickets on other TOCs now if we pass, because LNER used to charge us (and full bloody fare lol)
Like I say though, it is getting better... but I can count on one hand the amount of drivers who actually wave back at you on the ECML!
Click to expand...

This is very poor and pathetic on the part of the individuals concerned. It does also happen elsewhere eg we have a depot who (generally but not all) don’t speak to Intercity drivers.

Thankfully it’s a mentality that seems to be dying out over time, so hopefully the same will happen on the east coast.
 
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craigybagel

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357 said:
GC definitely do and I believe so do Hull.

I believe GC/Lumo/Hull are all on 64
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Is that new? I always thought that none of the Open Access operators gave it's staff PRIV, same as Freight.
 
A

ainsworth74

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craigybagel said:
Is that new? I always thought that none of the Open Access operators gave it's staff PRIV, same as Freight.
Click to expand...
GC I think got it around six or so years ago but HT, to my knowledge have had it for a lot longer.
 
tiptoptaff

tiptoptaff

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OA operators now get PRIV following reciprocal agreements to accept PRIV on their services.

TOCNE PRIV is purely a reciprocal arrangement unlike BR Boxes. Which is why freight don't get it - nothing to reciprocate with RDG/ATOC
 
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craigybagel

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tiptoptaff said:
It's been the case for about a decade at least
Click to expand...

ainsworth74 said:
GC I think got it around six or so years ago but HT, to my knowledge have had it for a lot longer.
Click to expand...

tiptoptaff said:
OA operators now get PRIV following reciprocal agreements to accept PRIV on their services.

TOCNE PRIV is purely a reciprocal arrangement unlike BR Boxes. Which is why freight don't get it - nothing to reciprocate with RDG/ATOC
Click to expand...
Thanks all, learn something new every day and all that!

I still see no reason why LUMO would automatically be a worse choice than GC or HT.
 
357

357

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craigybagel said:
I still see no reason why LUMO would automatically be a worse choice than GC or HT
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It all comes down to personal choices and preferences, so I agree it is impossible to say on a forum such as this what is better or worse.

GC have 180s but only one depot does any lodging. One depot also has exclusive use of the 221s
HT have the highest salary and new trains but you would need to live in Hull
Lumo have new trains and I think the biggest route card but I suspect the most lodging

I see a choice for someone who wants a big route card, a choice for someone who wants money, and a choice for someone who does not like lodging and maybe finds the traction more interesting.
 
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tiptoptaff

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I think a lot of the scepticism of LUMO has come from either unfounded rumours of having to do additional duties, poor links etc and/or lack of information. They lacked ASLEF representation until recently and in sure that caused some bad feeling. It's also DOO, which will put some people off.

I guess GC and HT are seen as being more akin to "traditional" TOCs in their driver role and guarded trains.

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference as said above. But I agree with @craigybagel and dont see anyt inherently wrong with LUMO compared to the other two.
 
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craigybagel

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357 said:
It all comes down to personal choices and preferences, so I agree it is impossible to say on a forum such as this what is better or worse.

GC have 180s but only one depot does any lodging. One depot also has exclusive use of the 221s
HT have the highest salary and new trains but you would need to live in Hull
Lumo have new trains and I think the biggest route card but I suspect the most lodging

I see a choice for someone who wants a big route card, a choice for someone who wants money, and a choice for someone who does not like lodging and maybe finds the traction more interesting.
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Exactly - every driver is different and will have different reasons for their career choices. If I was looking for a job in the North East I'd actually probably choose LUMO over GC given I've always preferred having as much variety as possible, lodging doesn't concern me in the slightest and I was a guard for long enough that having to do customer service roles occasionally seems like a nice break from routine rather than something to run away from. But it's very much each to their own.

It's not like these things don't change either; my own TOC used to be one which would train up drivers only to see many of them move on at the first opportunity, but lately we're being snowed under with qualified drivers applying for jobs.

Incidentally, I'm surprised that Sunderland don't have lodging anymore, I assume that Bradford drivers now work the first Kings Cross - Sunderland as far as York instead?
 
357

357

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craigybagel said:
Incidentally, I'm surprised that Sunderland don't have lodging anymore, I assume that Bradford drivers now work the first Kings Cross - Sunderland as far as York instead?
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Sunderland still lodge, Bradford don't have any but that could change in the future.
 
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craigybagel

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357 said:
Sunderland still lodge, Bradford don't have any but that could change in the future.
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Apologies, I misread your earlier post and assumed the depot that signed 221s was the depot with lodging.

tiptoptaff said:
I think a lot of the scepticism of LUMO has come from either unfounded rumours of having to do additional duties, poor links etc and/or lack of information. They lacked ASLEF representation until recently and in sure that caused some bad feeling. It's also DOO, which will put some people off.

I guess GC and HT are seen as being more akin to "traditional" TOCs in their driver role and guarded trains.

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference as said above. But I agree with @craigybagel and dont see anyt inherently wrong with LUMO compared to the other two.
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It's been very good having some actual LUMO employees coming here to dispel the rumours and put a lot of the more outlandish claims to bed!
 
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theironroad

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Efini92 said:
No, ours is a defined benefit scheme.
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I'm a bit confused....

Do you work for Lumo or have I crossed wires? The driver ad says that the pension is Defined Contribution ( and seems to be DC scheme for all Lumo staff.)

"The Reward

  • Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – We will pay in a minimum of 10% (5% employee contribution and 5% employer contribution) to a maximum total contribution of 20%."
 
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