§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he intends to take to increase the minimum train frequencies for rural lines where he deems that franchise agreements specify these at too low a level. [56322]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonChanges to service levels are a matter for the Franchising Director. The Deputy Prime Minister has said that he and the Franchising Director are ready to renegotiate franchises to secure a progressive improvement in services, extra investment, and integration with other transport modes. In addition, we have made available new funds under the rail Passenger Partnership scheme which the Franchising Director can use to support new services. Revised criteria for appraising proposals for supporting new services will be published shortly.