Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to help (a) reduce the number of cancellations and (b) improve the punctuality of train services.

The Department has been clear that the current, sustained poor performance on the railway is unacceptable, and the 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 and minimise cancellations. The Department continues to monitor the situation and hold the industry to account through regular high-level meetings with both Network Rail and representatives from the train operators.