Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Written Statement of 8 January 2015, WS175, on Rail in the North: Rolling Stock, what the average age is of the new rolling stock; and whether the new rolling stock meets the requirements in the Persons of Reduced Mobility Specification for Interoperability.

Some of the rolling stock used in this solution is already in use in the area so it is not “new.” In total, however, including this stock, the average age is 24 years old. Taking just the stock that is new to the area, the average age is 22 years old. The stock is being refurbished to ensure appropriate standards for passengers. Northern are working towards making all of the new rolling stock compliant with the requirements in the Persons of Reduced Mobility Specification for Interoperability.