§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the Rail Regulator has in relation to fare increases by train operating companies. [139522]
§ Mr. HillThe Franchising Director regulates fare increases through the franchise agreements he has with train operating companies. Train operators are not allowed to increase key fares by more than RPI-1 per cent. annually. This includes all saver tickets (or unrestricted Standard Returns where no Saver exists) and standard Weekly Season tickets. Further controls apply to London commuter fares, where the cap can be adjusted by £2 per cent. depending upon performance. The Rail Regulator does have powers under the Competition Act 1998 to investigate train operators where he has reasonable grounds to believe that they are charging excessive prices.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make representations to the Rail Regulator concerning the decision by First Great Western to prohibit saver fares from being used by commuters. [139521]
§ Mr. HillFranchise agreements stipulate that saver tickets need not be valid before 1030 on weekdays, nor for any journey beginning between 1500 and 1900 on certain flows from London, in line with the restrictions which existed under British Rail. It is a matter for train operating companies to decide whether or not to offer saver tickets in peak hours.