§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the timetable for awarding the rail franchise for each of the communities services into Greater London; what length of franchise is being envisaged in each case and maximum franchise requirements; and if he will make a statement. [133237]
§ Mr. HillThere are no specific target dates for the replacement of franchises, or any specified length for new franchise agreements that are to be negotiated. While the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will be offering longer term franchises, the length will be entirely dependent on the amount of investment that is proposed by the bidder. The Franchising Director is aiming to replace all the current shorter franchises including, Connex South Central, Chiltern, South West Trains, Thameslink, West Anglia Great Northern, Thames and Great Eastern within two years.