Hull City defeated Middlesbrough in a dramatic Championship Play Off Final on Saturday (23 May). Jubilant fans who made use of the special non-stop Hull Trains services to and from London were snapped on the platform as the excitement grew.
Staff also got involved in the buzz, with many wearing orange Hull City scarfs on top of their usual blue uniform. After witnessing the Tigers’ triumph, supporters were even more elated and there were fantastic scenes at Wembley.
Named ‘Operator of the Year’ at the recent Spotlight Rail Awards, Hull Trains is also set to run a special non-stop services for Hull KR fans travelling to the finals later this month.
Hull Trains is an open access rail operator and has been able to offer direct services for fans by working with its sister operator, Lumo, which usually connects Glasgow, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London King’s Cross.
As well as supporting Hull City fans, Hull Trains will help Hull KR fans on the 30 May Challenge Cup Final, with non-stop southbound and northbound services on the day of the match.
The operator is recommending that customers travel on the 29 May and return on the 31 May if they can, to avoid the busiest services.
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 the clubs, as well as the brilliant Hull FC, so supporting fans as they travel to both finals was something we were determined to do.”
Joe Clutterbrook, Chief Operating Officer at Hull City, said: “We are proud of our connection to local business and Hull Trains are a pillar of that community. In fact, our players travelled down to London King’s Cross with their friendly team earlier this week.
“The direct services Hull Trains have organised are massively appreciated by our loyal fans as they travel to support us. Thank you once again on behalf of the club.”
Hull KR Chief Executive Paul Lakin, added: “Our ongoing partnership with Hull Trains is one we’re incredibly proud of. The direct services to London which they have offered our fans over the past few years have been a huge help in transporting as many of our loyal supporters to Wembley as possible.”
Have a look at the photos below