§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward legislation to ensure the continued existence of the London Travelcard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Railways Bill includes provisions which will give the franchising director power to require franchisees to participate in multi-modal ticketing schemes such as the London Travelcard. The Secretary of State will give him guidance on the exercise of that power, and franchisees will then be required to participate in such ticketing arrangements in accordance with the terms of their franchise agreements. The legislation that the Government hope soon to bring forward to deregulate London bus services will give all operators the right to participate in multi-modal/multi-operator ticketing schemes on fair terms. We fully recognise the importance and value of the London Travelcard, and are actively working with all the parties concerned to see how its future can best be secured. We have made it clear that if further changes to legislation are needed to ensure the continuation of Travelcard, such changes will be incorporated in the proposed Bill.