Asked by: Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions, if any, the Secretary of State for Transport has had with Great Western Railway regarding recent disruptions to its services, particularly in terms of reliability and over-crowding.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
I maintain regular engagement with Great Western Railway on operational performance matters, including service reliability, disruption management and passenger experience. The Department holds the operator to account for meeting its contractual obligations, including addressing reliability issues and managing passenger crowding where services are disrupted or demand is high. Great Western Railway’s transfer into public ownership on 13 December 2026 will further enable improvements in reliability, performance, accountability, and the overall customer experience.
Asked by: Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Network Rail regarding their plans for Old Oak Common, including on the length of disruption to Great Western Railway services, and what estimate they have made of the cost of the project.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The new station at Old Oak Common will create an interchange between HS2 and national rail services. I continue to work with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and all train operators to minimise disruption to passengers on the Great Western Main Line, both during the construction of the station and during its operation.
Asked by: Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government on (1) Network Rail's planned works at Old Oak Common, and (2) the current performance of the Great Western Railway.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Wales Rail Board meets regularly and facilitates the UK and Welsh governments to discuss matters of mutual interest. The Board discusses performance of the Great Western Main Line and plans to manage rail services during construction of the new station at Old Oak Common. I continue to work with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and train operators to minimise disruption to passengers on the Great Western Main Line, both during the construction of the station and its operation.
Asked by: Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Network Rail on the estimated completion date for works to Pontypool and New Inn station, and on the causes for the delay.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Welsh Government has provided funding to Torfaen County Borough Council for the upgrade of Pontypool and New Inn railway station. Questions relating to the progress of these works should be addressed to Transport for Wales who are responsible for the operation of the station.
Asked by: Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect the work on the smart motorways arrangements around Slough and Reading will be completed.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Construction work to upgrade the M4 between Junctions 8/9 and 12 to an all lane running smart motorway is complete. On this section, all traffic management and temporary speed restrictions have now been removed and work is continuing to complete the commissioning of the technology. Construction work continues between Junctions 3 and 8/9. It is due to be completed this year.