Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Passenger Numbers

Thursday 29 April 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tony Lloyd asked about steps to increase rail passenger numbers and restore confidence post-COVID.
  • The Minister responded that initiatives are being developed to restore passenger confidence and improve rail service quality.
  • Tan Dhesi criticized the Government's approach to rail recovery as chaotic and questioned the commitment to electrification and levelling up.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
Transport
Context

The MP noted concerns about declining rail usage post-COVID and the need to restore confidence among passengers.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to increase passenger numbers on the rail network? I am concerned about restoring passenger confidence in travelling by rail after the impact of COVID-19.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

We are working with the rail industry to develop a number of recovery initiatives focused on restoring passenger confidence in travelling by rail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details or timelines for initiatives to encourage post-COVID rail travel and restore passenger confidence.

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Q2 Tony Lloyd Lab
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted issues with the train service between Rochdale and Manchester, including poor-quality trains and unreliable schedules.

Question

What steps are being taken to encourage people post-COVID to regard rail travel as safe? The very poor quality of the train service between Rochdale and Manchester, a major community route with poor-quality trains and unreliable service, is a handicap for commuters and economic development in Rochdale. What short-term measures will address this issue?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Actually a huge amount is being done while there are fewer passengers on our network. When passengers return, they will not find Pacer trains in use as they have been replaced by new fleets and the trains are spotlessly clean. We are working to address structural problems like timetabling through Castlefield corridor with short, medium, and long-term solutions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific short-term measures for improving service between Rochdale and Manchester.

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Q3 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Transport
Context

The MP criticized the government for introducing inflation-busting rail fares, failing to commit to electrification projects, and delaying key infrastructure projects.

Question

The Government's approach to recovering our railways is chaotic. They have introduced inflation-busting rail fares while freezing fuel duty. They talk about the green agenda but fail to commit to a rolling programme of electrification. Levelling up commitments are undermined by doubts over dozens of key rail infrastructure projects. Franchises brought back into public ownership just pay risk-free profits to private companies, and flexible season tickets for cash-strapped passengers are not available. Does the British public deserve better than this?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I do not recognise the picture painted by the hon. Gentleman. We have electrified more miles of rail compared to previous Labour Governments, and nearly £12 billion is being invested in our rail system this year, something that would not be possible under a Labour Government due to economic constraints.

Not addressed: Did not address the criticism about chaotic railway recovery approach and instead defended government's actions and investment.

How: Changing Subject

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