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Written question asked by Jerome Mayhew (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Train Operating Companies: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's Main Estimate 2025-26, whether the forecast £464.6 million reduction in net subsidy to Train Operating Companies relative to 2024-25 will be achieved; and what contingency plans are in place should passenger revenue fall below forecast levels.

Answer

The 2025-26 final outturn for Support for Passenger Rail Services was £2,159.2 million. This represented an actual reduction of £399.1 million, which is 86 per cent of the forecast £464.6 million reduction. The outturn was fully funded from within the Department’s overall funding limits.

The rail passenger service subsidy funding is set on a net basis, including both costs and revenue. Changes are addressed through regular forecasting and business planning processes. Mitigations to address any overall subsidy pressure may include a range of options to drive revenue and manage costs, depending on the overall train operator’s portfolio position, the specific circumstances at the time, and the long-term implications and the size of the challenge.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9171
Session
2026-27
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Subjects
Finance Train operating companies
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk