§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps are being taken by his Department to promote improved services on the Barking to Gospel Oak railway line. [68342]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSilverlink operate this line under a franchise agreement with the Franchising Director. This includes a contractual obligation to replace the existing slam door rolling stock with sliding door rolling stock by May 1999. It also includes contractual commitments to upgrade the passenger information systems at stations along the route. Railtrack have reinstated a signal between two of the stations on the line: this has increased the capacity of the track and should reduce delays caused by conflicts with other operators using the line.