Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the (a) effectiveness, (b) efficiency and (c) value for money of the Great Western franchise in terms of (i) performance and (ii) operation of the services provided under that franchise since 2013.

The Department holds Train Operating Companies to account through its contractual mechanisms, and meets regularly with operators to review performance levels and plans for improvements. It also works closely with ORR, in its role as regulator, in overseeing Network Rail’s performance levels. The Department has also increased its engagement across industry to promote industry sharing of good practice and a top down focus on the day to day performance of the railway. In addition we require all bidders for new rail franchises to describe how they will work in an integrated manner with Network Rail to achieve better performance for passengers.