Ribble Valley Line: Rolling Stock

(asked on 28th October 2026) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many additional diesel multiple unit trains Northern Trains expects to receive from other operators in (1) 2026, and (2) 2027; and how many of those units are expected to be allocated to services on the Clitheroe to Manchester line.


Answered by
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Portrait
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
This question was answered on 3rd November 2026

Northern is in continuing discussions with other operators and rolling stock owning companies about rolling stock that may become available as part of its work to improve fleet capacity and replace ageing trains. It will announce any new trains acquired as these are confirmed.

On 8 October 2026, Northern announced it was leasing 37 Class 350 electric trains to replace its Class 323 fleet and enhance the passenger experience on its electric routes around Manchester.

Where any additional stock is used is an operational matter for Northern, based on the demands on its services and the capacity of its depots and staff.

Reticulating Splines