§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001,Official Report, column 532W, on the regulation of rail fares, on what date the results of the study on the regulation of fares will be published; what implications the conclusions will have upon the Strategic Rail Authority plan published on 14 January; and if he will make a statement. [32408]
222W
§ Mr. JamiesonThe existing fares policy has been in operation since the first franchises were let in 1996, with around 40 per cent. of fares subject to regulation. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is now reviewing this policy to see how it might be improved. As part of this review it will be seeking the contribution of industry stakeholders, including both train companies and passengers.
The SRA will be issuing a consultation document within the next few months. The outcome of this study will be announced as soon as possible. However, until conclusions have been reached about the results of the review it will not be possible to know what implications they may have for the current and future strategic plans.