New fleet of refreshment trolleys is boarding the Settle Carlisle Railway for 150th anniversary year.

The refreshment trolley service on the world-famous rail route celebrated 20 years of serving passengers last year, and the trolleys that provide a daily service between Carlisle and Settle were starting to reach the end of their working life.

Thanks to funding from CrossCountry, Avanti, Northern Trains, and Travel Watch, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, which runs the refreshment service, were able to commission a new fleet of trolleys.

Working with local engineering firm J Mortimer Fabrications, based at the Old Station Yard at Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company has developed the new trolley design.

Following test runs, the design has been further improved, and the new trolleys are now in service, in time for the busy holiday season this year.

Named the best scenic railway route in Europe by travel publishers Lonely Planet, the Settle Carlisle Railway is popular with tourists and commuters, and the trolley service provides an additional service to improve their journey.

Settle Carlisle Railway Development Operational Manager, Susie Payne, started her career in the rail industry as a trolley service operator on the line.

Susie said: “Our trolley service provides a little extra to our customers, and we are very proud of our team.

“We aim to enhance the journey for local people and tourists using our internationally famous line and support communities with our line service by sourcing local produce benefiting the local economy. The service also provides employment for local people.

“We have worked closely with the team at J Mortimer to create a trolley that best meets the needs of our service – with plenty of space for our hot drinks dispensers, snacks and a collection of Settle Carlisle souvenirs.

“We are very grateful to our funders who have made it possible for us to replace our old trolleys and ensure we keep our service on track in our 150th anniversary year.”

Alex Hornby, Northern Railway’s Commercial and Customer director, said: “We’re delighted that customers can continue to be looked after and enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink when they’re travelling along this iconic route.

“Our Settle-Carlisle line is famous for its breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, so if you haven’t taken a trip yet we’d highly recommend booking one soon.”

Joanna Buckley, Avanti West Coast Community Manager, said: “Supporting Community Rail Partnerships to promote sustainable travel and engage local people with the railway is a key part of our work in the communities we serve. So, we’re pleased our Community Rail Partnership Fund has enabled Settle and Carlisle Railway to work with a local business to improve the experience for thousands of passengers as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The new trolleys will help keep those making journeys on this scenic route suitably refreshed for years to come.”

Alex Bray, CrossCountry Stakeholder Liaison Manager said: “We are proud to support Community Rail Partnerships. The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s refreshment trolley service improves the customer experience for those travelling on the line, and we are delighted to help support them to continue this service.”

TravelWatch NorthWest Company Secretary, John Moorhouse, said: "As an independent Community Interest Company representing rail passengers, we are delighted to contribute to the new trolleys. This service is a boon to passengers travelling on and revelling in the scenery of the celebrated Settle to Carlisle line, and we want to see them enjoying the experience to the full".

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(Right-to-left) Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s Commercial Manager, Susie Payne and trolley team members Sue Barnes and Andrea Dewhurst pictured with one of the new Settle Carlisle Railway refreshment trolleys