§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking, as part of his policy for privatisation of the operation of some railway trains, to avoid duplication of pricing on any one route and associated restrictions of choice of passengers using all operators' trains on those routes offering a standard class of vehicle; and if he will instruct the British Railways Board to eliminate any such practice currently operated by it on any route.
§ Mr. FreemanA balance has to be struck between the benefits to customers of interavailable tickets and common fare levels on the one hand and competitive ticket pricing and product offers on the other hand. This was reflected in the draft guidance from the Secretary of State to the franchising director which was made available to the House in February ; that guidance is being developed and will be finalised when the Bill completes its passage through Parliament and the franchising director is appointed.
With the introduction this month of shadow running by the InterCity Gatwick Express franchise, Network SouthEast is being allowed to compete over the route. Fares for the slower, NSE stopping service from Victoria to Gatwick will be reduced and the availability of this 26W choice of alternative services will be advertised to passengers. Hitherto, only the Gatwick Express service has been promoted by BR. Gatwick Express tickets will be valid on NSE trains; as will NSE tickets on Gatwick Express, subject only to supplementary payment of the difference in price—£1.10 for a single journey.
I believe that passengers will welcome these changes. They offer greater choice of service without loss of flexibility or convenience, and the opportunity of purchasing a cheaper ticket than was available before.