Rail Passenger Franchises (Hansard, 28 April 2003)

Lord Berkeley
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria the Strategic Rail Authority uses in assessing which companies are (a) pre-qualified, (b) shortlisted and (c) final choices in the bidding process for rail passenger franchises. [HL2533]

§ Lord Macdonald of Tradeston
The Strategic Rail Authority uses a variety of criteria for assessing which companies progress through the process to the award of a franchise. These are all aimed at encouraging strong competition leading to the selection of a value for money bidder. The criteria for each competition are set out in the bid documentation sent to all bidders.

Lord Berkeley
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they believe that the Strategic Rail Authority has guidelines on the maximum number of franchises that any company can operate or be shortlisted for. [HL2534]

§ Lord Macdonald of Tradeston
The Strategic Rail Authority has no such guidance.