Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 April 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001 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 he will take steps to restrict future fare increases by train operating companies.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to restrict future fare increases by train operating companies. [158419] Mr. Hill: Key fares are already capped at 1 per cent. below the rate of inflation and this will continue for replacement franchises. Train operators are free to price other fares according to market demand and competition from other forms of transport. But we expect train operators to bear in mind the need to increase passenger numbers when considering whether to increase unregulated fares.

Secondary information