Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times he (a) met and (b) had other contacts with representatives from Network Rail to discuss the implementation of the Rail Plan 2020 timetable changes in each of the last six months.

The Department for Transport has been working with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Network Rail over the last few years to develop the new timetable specification. It was designed to maximise the benefits of the government’s £7bn Thameslink Programme investment, including increasing capacity to bring many more passengers in to London during the morning peak. In agreement with industry partners and supported by the Industry Readiness Board, my Rt Hon Friend approved minor changes to allow for a smooth transition.

However, it became clear at the 11th hour that GTR were unable to deliver all planned services. We are in regular discussions with Network Rail and GTR. We have reiterated that the disruption suffered by passengers is wholly unacceptable, and the priority is to give passengers greater certainty over which services will run.

Over the last six months, my Rt Hon Friend has met with Network Rail representatives on 11 separate occasions. In these meetings he has discussed a multitude of different topics including implementation of the May 2018 timetable changes.