HC Deb 29 January 2002 vol 379 cc174-5W
32. Mrs. Ann Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures he has taken to improve facilities at railway stations in the last 12 months. [28469]

Mr. Spellar

Train operating companies carry out works to improve station facilities at railway stations for their own commercial reasons as part of their plans to improve the service for passengers and attract greater patronage. Such improvements may also be required by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) under a train operating company's franchise agreement, or as a passenger benefit negotiated by the authority where there has been a breach of a franchise agreement, or a change of control. An additional source of funding is provided by the SRA's Rail Passenger Partnership scheme. Up to the end of 2001, a total of £45 million had been awarded to 38 projects, including improvements to railway station facilities.