§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to promote through-ticketing between train and bus services. [62891]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonUnder his objectives, instructions and Guidance, the Franchising Director is required to take all appropriate steps to provide for the participation by franchises in multi-modal travel schemes, and to manage franchise agreements in a way which reflects our policy on transport integration. Accordingly, where he has negotiated new commitments from franchises, these have132W included through ticketing and timetable integration schemes which promote through journeys by rail and bus services, both within towns served by the railway and towns and villages. The number of similar schemes have been promoted by operators at their own initiative. We will be looking to build on this as we consider the renegotiation of franchise agreements.