§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to strengthen the statutory rights and means of redress for rail travellers, not holding season tickets, for delays, and cancellations under the present National Conditions of Carriage. [40147]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe National Conditions of Carriage are currently being reviewed by the Association of Train Operating Companies. I understand that train operators have voluntarily agreed in principle to double the minimum level of compensation offered for delays of more than one hour from 10 per cent. to 20 per cent. of the fare paid. Any changes to the National Conditions of Carriage will be subject to the approval of the Franchising Director and the Rail Regulator.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each year since rail privatisation(a) the total number of rail passengers and the number of passenger complaints, (b) the level of investment in the rail infrastructure and (c) the level of public subsidy given to train operating companies. [40260]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe information requested on the number of passengers complaints is not held centrally be DETR and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The other information requested is as follows:
Year Total passenger journeys (millions)1 Rail infrastructure investment (£ million) Net support for passengers rail services spend (£ million)1 1995–96 761.2 900 1,669 1996–97 801.4 1,178 1,809 1997–98 n/a 1,269 1,425 1Excludes payments to Passenger Transport Executives. Figures for 1995–96 and 1996–97 include payments to train operating companies owned by British Rail. Note:
The figures shown include an element of double counting, where a journey goes through more than one operators route it is scored against each operator.