Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Friday, 24 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the franchise agreement reached with GoVia in respect of the South-Central franchise (a) precludes the closure of any station and (b) maintains at present levels as a minimum the present timetable operated by Connex on each of its South-Central routes; on what date he expects responsibility for the South-Central franchise to transfer to GoVia.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the franchise agreement reached with GoVia in respect of the South-Central franchise (a) precludes the closure of any station and (b) maintains at present levels as a minimum the present timetable operated by Connex on each of its South-Central routes; [140307] (2) on what date he expects responsibility for the South-Central franchise to transfer to GoVia. [140313] Mr. Hill: A new franchise agreement will be signed with GoVia once detailed negotiations and funding plans have been developed and terms have been agreed between them and Connex Transport UK Ltd. for the early transfer of the existing South Central franchise. GoVia do not currently propose the closure of any station included in this franchise. Service provision will be based on existing Passenger Service Requirements (PSRs), which provide a specified minimum service level. Where the PSR is currently augmented by higher levels of service, the aggregate additional train mileage will be incorporated as a separate contractual obligation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c331-2W; 140307;140313
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Closures Franchises Railway stations Railways Standards Train operating companies Govia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk