Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure there are sufficient rail services on alternative routes when planned maintenance works cause the closure of lines.

Network Rail plans its timetables 12 months in advance, meaning it can schedule in the time needed for planned works to improve the network. Network Rail plan works that cause the least disruption to passengers and include Bank Holidays, Sundays, and overnight when the network is less busy.

However, when planned engineering works necessitate the closure of lines, train operating companies provide alternative transport and travel arrangements to help passengers complete their journeys. Alternative transport provision may include rail replacement services, ticket acceptance on other routes/operators, or diverted trains.