Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 March 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 5 March 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 it is the policy of the Government to maintain the existing formula for capping regulated fares on the railway for the purpose of new or revised rail franchises; if it is the policy of the Government to extend coverage of regulated fares on the railway; what arrangements have been agreed for new franchise agreements for the capping of regulated fares in respect of (i) the Chiltern franchise and (ii) the South Central franchise.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if it is the policy of the Government to maintain the existing formula for capping regulated fares on the railway for the purpose of new or revised rail franchises; [152375] (2) if it is the policy of the Government to extend coverage of regulated fares on the railway; [152374] (3) what arrangements have been agreed for new franchise agreements for the capping of regulated fares in respect of (i) the Chiltern franchise and (ii) the South Central franchise. [152376] Mr. Hill: The regulation of fares is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority. The Authority has no current plans to extend or change the existing formula for capping regulated fares on the railways, however it is reviewing the relationship between performance and fare caps. The current arrangements will apply to new or revised franchises including Chiltern and South Central, unless or until revised arrangements are subsequently agreed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 364 c58W; 152375;152374;152376
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Fares Franchises Railways Train operating companies Connex Rail Chiltern line
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk