§ Mr. BradshawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and South West Trains, how many bicycle spaces were available on each five car Wessex Electric train operated by South West Trains in(a) January 1998 and (b) May 1999; and if he will establish the reasons for the change in provision. [90841]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn January 1998 bicycles were carried in the Guard's Van on South West Trains' Wessex Electric five car units. The number of bicycles which could be accommodated was dependant on the other demands for this space. A rebuild of the stock which was18W completed in May 1999 resulted in the former Guard's Van being replaced by 16 extra seats and a new area created for luggage. This included a dedicated bicycle rack designed to hold five machines. The reason for this decision was that commuters on SWT continue to experience overcrowding on their commuting journeys to London—in 1998 there was a 9.8 per cent. increase in the number of passengers. The Franchising Director's latest figures for Passengers in Excess of Capacity (PIXC), issued on 29 March, show that SWT's PIXC count was 3.9 per cent. against a target figure for the combined peaks of 3 per cent. Consequently SWT were required to agree a remedial plan with OPRAF. The provision of the 16 extra seats and consequently change in the arrangements for the carriage of bicycles was agreed by OPRAF as one of the remedial measures.