§ David Davis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provision rail franchises are required to 711W make for passengers who (a) are disabled and (b) have mobility problems, when deciding what rail links to maintain or discontinue. [143243]
§ Dr. Howells:The procedures for deciding whether to reduce or discontinue a rail service are designed, among other things, to ensure that the particular needs of passengers with disabilities or mobility problems are fully taken into account. The level of service which an operator must provide is governed by a Passenger Service Requirement (PSR) and any change requires Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) approval. Where station or line closures are proposed a statutory closure procedure, which includes consultation with passengers, must be followed. In deciding whether to approve a service reduction or closure, the SRA or statutory authorities are expected to take proper account of the implications for all affected groups, including disabled passengers.