§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the date for the commencement of the single rail franchise for Wales, and if he will make a statement. [158096]
§ Mr. HillThe Strategic Rail Authority announced on 15 February that Arriva plc/Connex Transport UK Ltd., FirstGroup plc, National Express Group plc and Serco508W Rail had been shortlisted to compete for the Wales and Borders franchise. It is not possible to publish a commencement date as there is no set timetable for awarding this franchise.