§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what sanctions exist for refusal by private sector railway operating companies to affiliate to the Association of Train Operating Companies. [16981]
§ Mr. WattsMembership of ATOC is not mandatory. However, all passenger operators are required under the terms of their licences and/or franchise agreements to participate in a number of mandatory schemes which are administered by ATOC. These are the ticketing and settlement scheme, the London Regional Transport scheme, discount card schemes for the elderly, disabled and young, the telephone inquiry bureaux scheme and the staff travel scheme.