Written question asked by Robert N Wareing (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 23 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 March 2010. It was answered by Chris Mole (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

First Capital Connect

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent representations he has received on the operation of First Capital Connect; and whether he has made a recent assessment of the merits of withdrawing its franchise and taking its operations into public ownership.

Answer: A number of representations have been received regarding the operation of First Capital Connect from Members of Parliament and passengers.Since 18 January 2010, when First Capital Connect's full timetable was reinstated, we have continued to monitor performance closely and the indication is that First Capital Connect is returning to pre-disruption levels of service.To date, no Event of Default, as set out in the Franchise Agreement has occurred.

Secondary information