§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under what circumstance it is his policy to seek to renegotiate minimum service levels for train operating companies in respect of service frequencies. [62396]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIt is not for Government or the Franchising Director to initiate changes to passenger service requirements (PSRs). The Franchising Director may however agree with an operator to increase service frequencies and amend the PSR accordingly. He has funds available under the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme to support new services and it is for promoters of new services, whether they be operators, local authorities or other parties, to make a business case for any support sought for proposed new services. The Franchising Director would appraise such a business case according to his revised Criteria, which are shortly to be issued and which will reflect the policy set out in our Transport White Paper.