§ 25. Ms StuartTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the rail operators of the west coast line about future performance targets. [89500]
§ Mrs. LiddellPerformance targets for rail operators are matters for the Franchising Director. The franchise agreement for Virgin West Coast provides for the cancellation thresholds relating to call-in to be tightened from April 2003 and, at the Franchising Director's option, further tightened from April 2005. These changes will reflect the expected improvement in performance that will result from the Passenger Upgrade of the line (PUG2).