§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what role National Rail Inquiries will play in the one point of inquiry national public transport information system; [72574]
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- (2) what progress he has made in meeting the commitment in paragraphs 3.73 and 3.74 of the Transport White Paper in respect of the creation of a national integrated journey timetable; [72572]
- (3) how the provision of a one point of inquiry national public transport information system is to be funded. [72573]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOur aim is to develop a framework for public transport information that builds on existing local and national sources—including the National Rail Enquiry Service—and extends them systematically across the country. At my request, the relevant parties are working together under the auspices of the Confederation of Passenger Transport. Decisions have yet to be taken on the preferred system architecture and funding, but the Department has given over £1 million of credit approvals this year to enable local authorities to play their part, and has invited further bids for funding in 1999–2000.