§ 24. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on future investment plans for the rail system. [107330]
§ Mr. HillWe have made it clear that we want to see much higher levels of rail investment. We are confident that the next ten years will see the largest investment in the railways for 100 years.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage train operating companies to make the necessary long-term investment in their rail services; and if he will make a statement. [107953]
95W
§ Mr. HillWe have made it clear that there must be more investment in the railways. Train operators have been told that we are willing to consider longer franchises in return for better services for passengers in terms of greater investment and improved performance, and value for money for the taxpayer. We have asked the Franchising Director, when considering requests for franchise replacements, to give due weight to commitments to new or earlier investment.