§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require privatised railway companies to improve their standard of punctuality. [57905]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Franchising Director is responsible for overseeing train operators, performance levels. Operators of rural and commuter services pay financial penalties for poor performance under their franchise agreements, and a special incentive regime now applies to Great Western Trains. Following unacceptable performance level, the Franchising Director has required all train operators to produce action plans setting out how they will deliver improved performance. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has said that he is prepared to renegotiate franchises in order to secure more rigorous performance standards from train operators.