Asked by: Faisal Rashid (Labour - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on replacing the Northern Rail franchise.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris
We are developing contingency plans for the replacement of the current franchise with either a new short-term management contract with Northern or the Operator of Last Resort (OLR). If we find the operator to be in default of its current contract and that default was material and not capable of remedy, we have the right to terminate the current franchise. If such a right is exercised, a decision on next steps will be based on a full and rigorous analysis into what delivers the best outcomes for passengers and taxpayers and what would best enable the implementation of the forthcoming recommendations of the Williams Review.
We will take a decision once we have the full information, and will provide Parliament with a full update on these next steps at the appropriate time.
Asked by: Faisal Rashid (Labour - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the rail industry is accountable to Government.
Answered by Andrew Jones
The Department works closely with the rail industry to ensure it is held accountable, with regular meetings between industry and Ministers and officials. A number of robust reporting and risk management processes are in place to support this work. The Williams Rail Review will also consider the role of the Department as part of its thinking on wider reform.
Asked by: Faisal Rashid (Labour - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to allow the Northern Rail franchise to be publicly run.
Answered by Andrew Jones
Alongside Transport for the North, who co-manage the franchise, our absolute priority is delivering the services that passengers expect. At a time when performance is improving and brand-new trains have been successfully introduced onto the network only this week to replace the unpopular and dated Pacers, major change could result in significant disruption. We see no reason at this stage to consider making changes to the franchise.
Asked by: Faisal Rashid (Labour - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making the wearing of helmets compulsory for cyclists.
Answered by Michael Ellis
The Government’s 2018 cycling and walking safety review considered this matter carefully. The Government’s response to the safety review, published in November 2018, summarises the arguments for and against making helmets compulsory, and explains the Government’s position. In short, the Government will continue to encourage cyclists to wear helmets, but believes that this should remain a matter of individual choice. The Government has committed to undertake three actions over the next two years as part of its cycling and walking safety action plan. First, it will continue to promote and encourage cyclists to wear helmets, especially children. Secondly, the Government will provide strengthened advice on fitting of cycle helmets for children, as part of wider advice on use of safety equipment and attire when cycling. Thirdly, the Government will review evidence and international experience on mandatory helmets for children and provide clear guidance to help parents choose what is appropriate for their child.
Asked by: Faisal Rashid (Labour - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will fund local authorities to provide free bus travel for people under the age of 25.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani
Local authorities are currently empowered to offer local travel concessions under concessionary travel legislation. If they wish to do so, local authorities are able to offer discounted travel to young people. In addition, bus operators can offer discounted travel for young people - bus operators in 71 of the 89 TCA areas in England outside of London offered some form of discounted travel for young people in 2018/19. In addition, there is a statutory scheme for certain eligible children to receive free school transport.