Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking with railway providers to help improve train timeliness.

I have been clear that the current, sustained poor performance on the railway is unacceptable, and industry needs to make significant improvements to deliver the punctual, reliable services that passengers and taxpayers deserve.

Through the Department’s National Rail Contracts, there is a direct link between punctuality and reliability and the fee operators receive to incentivise improved performance.

My officials and I monitor the situation closely and hold industry to account – I review performance on a weekly basis and hold regular high-level meetings with both Network Rail and representatives from the train operators.