Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what comparable assessment he has made of the performance and costs of bi-mode trains and electric rolling stock.

The rolling stock strategy for the East Midlands has been developed by reference to business case analysis of a range of rolling stock options including bi-modes, electric and diesel traction options. Rolling stock performance and cost are two of a range of parameters considered in this analysis. Ultimately the actual rolling stock solution for the East Midlands will be developed and implemented by the successful bidder in the current franchise competition.