§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve the arrangements by which train operating companies(a) purchase and (b) lease rolling stock from ROSCOs. [21049]
§ Mr. JamiesonI am not aware of any specific proposals to change the arrangements for the purchase or leasing of rolling stock. However, the industry has experienced problems in getting new stock into service and the Strategic Rail Authority has therefore set up a10W cross-industry Working Group to develop the mechanics for ensuring rapid acceptance of reliable trains onto the network.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what arrangements are in place to assist train operating companies with the(a) purchase and (b) lease of new rolling stock in the latter years of their contracts as franchise operators. [21053]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere are provisions within the Railways Act 1993 (s27(9) and s54) and the Transport Act 2000 (s211) which, for example, enable specific undertakings to be given in respect of new rolling stock where the length of the new lease is greater than the remaining length of the franchise and which allow the SRA to ensure that specified rolling stock leases are passed from one franchisee to another in the event of a change of control.