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Lumo: Rochdale

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21960

The question

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.

Answered by Department for Transport

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.

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