Northern confirms new rule for North East train passengers with mobility scooters, tell me about this news in (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northern-confirms-new-rule-north-34620153)

Train operator Northern has updated its policy to allow passengers with mobility scooters to travel across all train types in its fleet, including Class 158 trains, provided they carry a free permit.Key details of the announcement include:

• Access to Class 158 Trains: Under the previous 2020 policy, mobility scooters were barred from Class 158 trains because the vestibules were too narrow for larger models to turn, creating a risk of getting stuck. With the increasing popularity of smaller and lighter scooters, Northern reassessed over 150 stations, conducted testing, and decided to permit qualifying models.
• Permits and Passenger Contact: Existing permit holders are being contacted. Those whose scooters meet the required dimensions will receive an updated permit confirming their model can safely board and navigate these trains.
• Wider Network Accessibility: More than 3,000 passengers using approximately 330 different scooter types already use Northern’s free permit scheme across 262 accessible stations.
• Future Fleet Improvements: The rule update comes alongside Northern’s broader plans to invest in up to 450 new trains, aimed at improving level boarding and accessibility across the North of England.