§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with Virgin Trains their criteria for making APEX tickets available to passengers. [130794]
§ Mr. HillThe Secretary of State has no plans to discuss with Virgin Trains the criteria for making APEX tickets available. APEX fares represent a substantial discount over the regulated fares and are offered in return for corresponding reduction in flexibility. They are not regulated by the Franchising Director and the criteria and conditions applied to them by Virgin Trains, or any other Train Operating Company (TOC), are entirely commercial matters for the TOC concerned.