§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is a requirement that all trains be equipped with telephones that are operational at all times. [101482]
§ Mr. HillIt is not a requirement that all trains be equipped with telephones that are operational at all times. The provision of telephones for passenger use is, along with other facilities provided on trains, a commercial matter for the train operating company concerned.
Most trains are fitted with radio communication systems to enable contact with signalling or control centres by train crew. In areas where the ability of radio communication systems to reliably operate is restricted or possibly not available at all, line side telephone equipment is available.