§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the rail operating companies that provide accommodation for cycles on(a) peak and (b) off-peak journeys; what the average number was of cycles carried per rail journey in 2001; what plans the Government have to increase the number of cycles carried by rail operators; and if he will make a statement. [73531]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) requires franchise operators to provide facilities for cycles on existing rolling stock subject to what is reasonably practicable given the type of rolling stock currently used and the nature of the service provided. In 715W accordance with Directions and Guidance from the Government the SRA is working with the operators to provide reasonable and secure facilities on board new rolling stock and at stations. The table below sets out
Train operating companies that provide accommodation for bicycles1 Train operating company Cycles accommodated in peak2 Cycles accommodated off-peak Anglia Railways Train Services Yes Yes Arriva Trains Merseyside Yes Yes Arriva Trains Northern No Yes C2C No Yes Central Trains Most services Most services Chiltern Railway Co Not on services to and from London or Birmingham Snow Hill Yes Connex Not on services to and from London Yes First Great Eastern Not on services to and from London Yes First Great Western Yes Yes First North Western Yes Yes Gatwick Express Yes Yes GNER Yes Yes Island Line Yes Yes Midland Main Line High Speed Trains only Yes ScotRail Yes Yes Silverlink Train Services Not on services between Wolverton and London Yes South Central Not on services to and from London Yes South West Trains Not on suburban services to and from London Yes South West Trains Not on suburban services to and from London Yes Thameslink Rail Not on services to, through or from London Yes Thames Trains Not on services to an from London Yes Virgin Trains Most services, except Virgin Train Rail Links Most services, except Virgin Train Rail Links WAGN Railway Not on services between Finsbury Park and Moorgate or into Cambridge in the morning peak Yes Wales & Borders Trains Not on some Valley Lines services Yes Wessex Trains Not on services between Exmouth and Paignton—Exeter Central; Weston-Super-Mare and Bath Spa—Bristol Temple Meads/Filton Abbey Wood; Bristol Temple Meads—Bath Spa Yes Note
1 On some services advance booking, limited spaces and charges may apply. Some operators do not accept tandems or tricycles. No restrictions usually apply to fully folded folding cycles.
2 Peak services apply Monday—Friday excluding Bank Holidays, and the duration of peak hours varies between operators. Unless otherwise specified peak restrictions apply to services into the indicated terminal in the morning and out of that terminal in the evening.