§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the key criteria for the renegotiation of passenger rail franchises; and if he will make a statement. [81362]
§ Dr. ReidWe announced at the National Rail Summit on 25 February that all requests for franchise re-negotiations will be judged against the following criteria: current performance; proposed accelerated or new investment; willingness to commit to a more demanding enforcement regime and higher quality standards; willingness to give passengers a greater say in the level and standard of services; willingness to commit to initiatives which would promote integrated transport; and value for the taxpayer.