PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
South western rail franchise (17 January 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the financial performance data on South Western Railway published on Companies House on 3 January 2019, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of (a) terminating South Western Railway’s franchise contract and (b) revising the terms of that contract.

Asked by:
Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat)

The Department monitors train operators closely to ensure delivery of services for passengers and value for money for taxpayers. As part of responsible contingency planning, we have measures in place on every franchise intended to protect the interests of passengers and taxpayers and ensure that services keep running. All commercial discussions about franchises are confidential but updates will be provided to Parliament at the appropriate time.

Answered by:
Chris Heaton-Harris (Conservative)
22 January 2020