PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Office of Rail and Road on Lumo’s application for a new direct rail service between Rochdale and London Euston.

Asked by:
Mr Richard Holden (Conservative)

Under existing legislation, decisions on applications for track access rights are a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). This includes Lumo's application to operate direct services between Rochdale and London Euston.

The Secretary of State is unable to direct the ORR in the exercise of its statutory functions. As part of its regular engagement with the rail industry, the Department has discussions with the ORR on a range of relevant rail matters. However, responsibility for determining individual track access applications rests solely with the ORR.

Answered by:
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