Reliability of Rail Services 2024-05-16
2024-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The reliability of rail services has been a concern, with issues affecting passengers across the network.
What steps is he taking to help improve the reliability of rail services for passengers?
Performance varies across the network, and I meet regularly with Network Rail and train operators to encourage greater collaboration on day-to-day performance. The pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill is ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or timelines for improving reliability
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Fares have increased, and cancellations are at a record high. The rail system needs urgent attention to meet the needs of passengers.
With fares up and cancellations at a record high, rail passengers are crying out for change. In my patch, Reddish South and Denton stations are served by just one train a week. I would like a train service that meets our needs. Is it because he cannot deliver or thinks Labour will?
The pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill is ongoing, and the Government's approach involves working with operators for better performance. The Labour party's plan would nationalise the railways.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why rail reform has been delayed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Summer has arrived, and cross-border connectivity is essential for visitors to Chester and north Wales. The Government made a commitment in October 2021 to electrify the north Wales main line.
The Prime Minister's Network North commitment means over £36 billion of former HS2 money will be put into projects across the north and midlands, including the electrification of the north Wales main line. When will the north Wales main line actually receive an allocation of real money so it can start work?
Over £36 billion of former HS2 money is being put into projects across the north and midlands, including the electrification of the north Wales main line. Project time and resource allocation will advance such projects.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify a timeline for funding allocation
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Train operating companies are willing to invest significantly to improve passenger journeys, but current contract terms may be a disincentive. The Transport Committee is scrutinising wider reforms.
Is it the case that train operating companies stand ready to invest significantly to improve passenger journeys, but a disincentive is the break clause in current contracts? Will the Minister review those break clause arrangements and incentivise investment now?
Where operators can deliver more for passengers by having more certainty, there is certainly a case to be made for looking at those contract terms and giving them longer. This would not reverse nationalisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing break clauses specifically
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Kenilworth station was reopened by a Conservative Government. Improving the line's reliability and service variety would benefit not only local residents but also provide connectivity options for HS2.
My hon. Friend knows that after decades of closure, Kenilworth station has been reopened by a Conservative Government and a Conservative county council. However, the reliability, indeed the variety of services through that station, would be significantly improved by double tracking the line between Leamington and Coventry. Will my hon. Friend do all he can to bring about this improvement?
The new local transport fund makes funds available for projects where HS2 would previously have been delivered. My right hon. and learned Friend's transport authority can fund the project.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to supporting funding directly
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
In five years, passenger services have worsened significantly. The Transport Secretary admitted reforms this side of an election are unlikely.
Passenger services have gone from bad to worse, with a train now cancelled every 90 seconds—the worst statistics on record. With the Transport Secretary openly admitting that any reforms this side of an election are unlikely, does the Minister understand why passengers have given up on this Government doing anything to improve their rail experience?
Since 2010, £100 billion has been invested in the railways by this Government. In March, 70% of trains ran to time with only 2.9% cancellations due to one trespass and one suicide.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address passenger dissatisfaction directly
Response accuracy