§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what periods of consultation have taken place between the shadow Strategic Rail Authority and interested local parties over the award of(a) new and (b) extended rail franchises. [129390]
§ Mr. HillThe Franchising Director is operating an inclusive consultation process for franchise replacement. The Instructions and Guidance given to him by the Deputy Prime Minister require him to consult the Chairman of the British Railways Board, local authorities, Passenger Transport Executives. the Rail Regulator, regional planning bodies, Regional Development Agencies and Rail Passenger Committees. He has consulted widely about the replacement of franchises and there will be further on-going consultation as the process continues. Bidders will be encouraged to consult interested stakeholders, including local authorities and Rail Passengers' Committees, giving them the opportunity to raise issues which they would like to see addressed.
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§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account the Government and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will take of the record, including safety record, of an existing franchisee and its owner company in the award of(a) new and (b) extended franchises. [129392]
§ Mr. HillThe Deputy Prime Minister has asked the Franchising Director to evaluate bids for replacement franchises against the following criteria: commitment to secure better performance and customer services, the extent to which extra or earlier investment can be secured, the extent to which passengers will be given a greater voice in the level and standard of services, and value for money to the taxpayer. Bidders will be encouraged to consult interested stakeholders, including local authorities and Rail Passengers' Committees, giving them the opportunity to raise issues which they would like to see addressed.