HC Deb 30 March 2004 vol 419 cc1325-6W
Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the number of passengers travelling from the Medway Towns to Cannon Street; what assessment he has made of the likely impact on commuter services from the Medway Towns to Cannon Street of the Strategic Rail Authority's Integrated Kent Franchise proposals; and if he will make a statement; [162505]

(2) what discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the current fast Medway Towns to Victoria service in the context of the Strategic Rail Authority's proposed Integrated Kent Franchise. [162508]

Mr. McNulty

Proposals for the detailed train service specification for the Integrated Kent Franchise are currently being consulted upon by the Strategic Rail Authority. Recommended service patterns and its impacts on existing services will be considered following the completion of the consultation.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Strategic Rail Authority has to improve rail infrastructure in north Kent; and if he will make a statement.[162507]

Mr. McNulty

There is considerable work under way in north Kent, as part of the power supply upgrade (Southern Region New Trains Programme). This will enable operation in north Kent of Class 375 and 376 trains. The train maintenance depot at Slade Green is being refurbished. Security enhancements are being made where trains are stabled.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many seats(a) are available to commuters from the Medway Towns to London and (b) are estimated will be available under the Strategic Rail Authority's proposed Integrated Kent Franchise at peak times as defined by the Strategic Rail Authority in their Integrated Kent Franchise proposals. [162509]

Mr. McNulty

There are over 20,000 seats available on services from the Medway Towns to London in the morning peak and over 21,000 from London to the Medway Towns in the evening peak.

The number of seats available under the proposed Integrated Kent Franchise will depend on the type of rolling stock ordered for channel tunnel rail link domestic services.

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