§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to review levels of train services to Penzance; [5485]
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact on local businesses of the recent reductions in the train service between Plymouth and Penzance; [5487]
(3) what plans he has to ensure that the level of rail service in the south west is sufficient to promote economic development in the region. [5486]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director specifies minimum levels of service through the Passenger Service Requirement (PSR) which is incorporated in franchise agreements with train operating companies. Services operated over and above those required in the passenger service requirement are a commercial matter for the franchisee. There are no plans to review the PSRs relating to train services to Penzance.
There has been no reduction either in the PSRs or in Summer 1997 timetables for services between Plymouth and Penzance. On the contrary, South Wales and West has introduced a new daily service between Manchester and Penzance with effect from the summer timetable, and 674W Great Western has introduced a number of new services on Sundays between Paddington and Penzance. There have been some operational problems in recent months which have affected service performance. The Government has made no assessment of the impact of local business of the recent operational problems in the south-west.
The Franchising Director closely monitors service performance and operators are penalised for cancellations and delays. Passengers are entitled to compensation for services which are below specified standards under the terms of franchise operators' Passenger's Charters. The Government wants to see greater use of the railway, higher levels of investment in the rail network, proper enforcement of train operators' services commitments and all the benefits of having a national railway network.