§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to strengthen the regulation of rail companies to ensure that adequate rolling stock is provided on peak-time rail services in order to avert over-crowding. [101346]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 6 December 1999]: Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have a general obligation to avoid excessive overcrowding on all services. London commuter TOCs and TOCs providing some commuter services into Edinburgh are subject to annual counts of Passengers in Excess of Capacity (PIXC) and must not exceed 4.5 per cent. above capacity in either the morning or evening peak and 3 per cent. in the combined morning and evening peaks. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister issued the Franchising Director with new 487W Instructions and Guidance on 29 September 1999 in which he asked him to deliver improvements in services through re-negotiation of the terms of franchise agreements.