§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to change the number of trains operating companies in the South West; [80313]
(2) if he will make a statement on the status of the Wessex franchise, with particular reference to its interaction with the Great Western franchise; [80311]
(3) what discussions he has had with members of the South Western Assembly on the subject of (a) the Wessex franchise and (b) the Great Western franchise. [80312]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced on 6 November its intention to create a new Greater Western rail franchise by no later than 2006. The new franchise will combine the current Great Western Trains, Thames Trains and Wessex Trains franchises into a single franchise. This decision follows extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the South Western Assembly. The SRA also announced a way forward to 2007 for the South West Trains franchise.