Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 27 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 July 2019. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Friday, 5 July 2019 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Settle-Carlisle Railway Line

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to promote the use of reformed Class 43 Mark 3 InterCity 125 sets in order to provide a better service and passenger experience on the Settle and Carlisle railway line and rail services between Leeds and Carlisle; and what consideration they have given to extending Settle and Carlisle rail services into Scotland, the East Midlands or elsewhere.

Answer: The Department does not currently have any plans to promote the use of reformed Class 43 Mark 3 InterCity 125 sets on the Settle and Carlisle railway line and rail services. Northern’s existing fleet of 243 trains is in the process of being fully upgraded to a high standard. It is committed to improving customers’ on-board experience and has refurbished over 50% of its fleet already. The programme will see the introduction of free customer Wi-Fi, at seat power sockets and customer information media screens on all Northern’s trains. There are currently no plans to extend the Settle and Carlisle rail services into Scotland, the East Midlands or elsewhere, however ideas for these can always be put forward to Transport for the North for consideration.

Secondary information