Suburban Rail Services London 2021-06-24
2021-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Transport for London submitted a strategic outline business case for the devolution of suburban rail services in late 2019, but progress was halted due to the pandemic.
What recent progress has been made on plans for the devolution of suburban rail services in London? I thank the Minister for that answer. He knows that I am firmly of the view that the transfer of Southeastern services to TfL is the best long-term means of guaranteeing passengers in my constituency the fast, frequent and high-quality metro-style rail services they desire.
Since the pandemic struck, the Department has had to focus on keeping services running while developing passenger-focused reforms. Great British Railways will be organized around regional divisions for better decision-making. The White Paper includes a commitment for strategic partnership with TfL and other local authorities to ensure rail services work best for passengers in London.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific plans to pick up and take forward conversations about devolving Southeastern services were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows up on the devolution of suburban rail services, seeking specific plans for the future of the Southeastern franchise.
As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, what plans does his Department have to pick up and take forward the conversations that took place with TfL about the matter early last year? Will he meet me in due course to discuss the future of the Southeastern franchise in more detail?
Since the pandemic struck, the Department has had to focus on keeping services running while developing passenger-focused reforms. Great British Railways will be organized around regional divisions for better decision-making. The White Paper includes a commitment for strategic partnership with TfL and other local authorities to ensure rail services work best for passengers in London. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss these matters further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans to pick up conversations about the Southeastern franchise were not addressed.
Response accuracy