Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he took to fulfil the terms of clause 9.2 of the Franchise Side Agreement with passenger transport executives (PTEs) in receipt of consultation with affected PTEs on plans for reduced opening hours of ticket offices by Northern Rail.

This proposal was developed by Northern Rail as part of a package of efficiency savings to reduce cost to the taxpayer. As a consultee, the Secretary of State considered whether the proposals met the criteria for a Minor Change under the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement.

(a) These factors are not routinely recorded.

(b) A new franchise will be let prior to the tram-train services commencing. It would be for the future operator to consider amending ticket office hours or station procedures as passenger demand increases.

(c) Consideration was given to possible detriment to station security or cleanliness. Following the redevelopment of Rotherham Central in 2012, CCTV cameras are in place there. These are monitored remotely by Northern Rail and by South Yorkshire PTE.

Northern was advised, in October 2014, that they should seek buy-in from major stakeholders – including the PTEs – to highlight and remove any weaknesses in their proposals. The criteria for a Minor Change were satisfied. Therefore, as the Secretary of State had no discretion in relation to the decision there was no opportunity for any effective consultation.