Passenger Transport Services

HC Deb 23 October 1995 vol 264 cc460-1W

29. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in his plans for franchising passenger transport services. [36487]

Mr. Watts

Passenger service requirements for 55 per cent. of services, in terms of passenger revenue, have been issued for consultation. Many have completed the process and been published in their final form. Tenders have been invited for seven franchises, covering 41 per cent. of all services, in terms of passenger revenue. Invitations to pre-qualify to bid for Chiltern Railways and South Eastern were issued on 3 October. The franchising director aims to award the first three franchises, for Great Western, LTS Rail and South West Trains, in December.