Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to review the provisions of rail franchise agreements as a result of the decision not to introduce in full a new railway timetable in December 2018; and if he will make a statement.

The rail industry’s proposed approach to planned changes to the timetable in December this year, which was developed by Network Rail, and supported by train operating companies and the Office of Rail and Road, will see the majority of operators, including open access operators, introduce a new timetable in December as planned.

The Government has accepted the rail industry’s recommended approach, which has rightly been designed to minimise the risk of future disruption to passengers and other rail users. The Government wants, however, to see the benefits for rail users of the December timetable changes delivered as soon as is possible and will be reflecting this in discussions with individual train operators on the delivery of their contractual obligations.