Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Avanti's rail timetable has faced issues since its launch, prompting scrutiny over its performance and impact on services.
What comparative assessment has been made of the service delivered by Avanti's rail timetable now compared to when it launched?
Avanti began operating in December 2019 and within 16 weeks had transitioned on to an emergency measures agreement due to the covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the service provision has adjusted to align with demand and balance taxpayer and passenger needs. Recent performance improvements show Avanti-caused cancellations down from 13.2% in January 2023 to 1.4% for April.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific comparative analysis requested was not provided, instead focusing on recent performance improvements without comparing them to the launch period.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Issues with Avanti's services have led to concerns about the quality of transport in Lichfield and its surrounding areas.
I thank my hon. Friend for his answer —[Interruption.] What is being done to address the specific issue affecting my constituents' ability to travel from Lichfield?
Normal service resumed after a passenger crossed the line of sight in front of my hon. Friend. I will look at anything that deprives my hon. Friend and his constituents of their ability to travel from Lichfield. I am meeting the managing director of Avanti today, and I will raise this point and write back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue was not addressed directly; instead, a vague commitment was made without specifics on actions or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Several train operators have been nationalised recently, raising questions about the effectiveness and future direction of such a model.
With ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper, LNER, and TransPennine Express all having been nationalised, what steps is the Minister taking to monitor their impact and whether this model should be extended to other franchises?
Steps are being taken to look at putting operations back to the private sector, which is our preferred model. On TransPennine trains, a plan is being developed that should be delivered by next month. The current situation involves 50% of drivers not being trained up, indicating a need for more co-operation with unions to train drivers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific monitoring steps and plans for future nationalisations were not detailed; instead, the focus was on stabilizing operations in TransPennine Express.
Response accuracy