Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons they have learnt from the problems with railway timetables in recent weeks.

We have been clear that the unacceptable disruption following the introduction of the May timetable must not be allowed to happen again.

The May timetable change attempted to implement the most extensive change in years. As a result of the disruption, the rail industry has reviewed its approach for the next planned timetable change and recommended a scaled-back approach to ensure passengers receive a more reliable service. The Government has accepted this recommendation.

The Office of Rail and Road has also announced a review into the recent timetable disruption headed by Professor Stephen Glaister. This review will make recommendations to the industry and Government about future major changes.