§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they intend to take to ensure that current rail passenger service franchisees will be compelled to fulfil their investment obligations right up to the end of the franchise. [HL210]
§ Lord WhittyThe franchise agreements generally require investments and enhancements to be delivered according to stipulated timescales. These are enforced by the Franchising Director. The Government have also said that the performance of the incumbent franchisees will be taken into account before any new contracts are entered into. Operators will therefore have an incentive to continue to develop their businesses throughout the term of their franchises.