§ Mr. WoolasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to stop rail franchise holders abolishing saver, super saver and other cut-price, walk-on tickets. [22372]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonUnder the Railways Act 1993 the regulation of fares is a matter for the Franchising Director. Under the present franchise agreements, there is at least one regulated fare between any two points, which must be offered. For medium to long distance journeys this is the Saver ticket, which is regulated by the Franchising Director and must continue to be offered for sale at a price that does not increase above the rate of inflation. From 1999 the cap on these fares will be RPI-minus 1 per cent. However, it is in the operators' commercial interests to offer other discounted tickets to attract additional business when they have capacity available and to make use of that capacity. We are currently conducting a review of the railway industry, which includes the regulation of fares.