§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the South-Central rail franchise to GoVia in preference to Connex. [140312]
§ Mr. HillThe proposals put forward by GoVia and Connex Transport UK Ltd. both offered substantial improvements over current standards of service. However, the Franchising Director considered that GoVia demonstrated that they have the vision to bring about a step change in quality, and the capacity to deliver, while offering better value for money.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the franchise agreement reached with GoVia in respect of the South-Central franchise(a)precludes the closure of any 332W station and (b) maintains at present levels as a minimum the present timetable operated by Connex on each of its South-Central routes; [140307]
(2) on what date he expects responsibility for the South-Central franchise to transfer to GoVia. [140313]
§ Mr. HillA new franchise agreement will be signed with GoVia once detailed negotiations and funding plans have been developed and terms have been agreed between them and Connex Transport UK Ltd. for the early transfer of the existing South Central franchise. GoVia do not currently propose the closure of any station included in this franchise. Service provision will be based on existing Passenger Service Requirements (PSRs), which provide a specified minimum service level. Where the PSR is currently augmented by higher levels of service, the aggregate additional train mileage will be incorporated as a separate contractual obligation.