Publicly Owned Rail Operators 2020-12-03
2020-12-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises due to the proposed concession model for rail operators, which could affect publicly owned operators' ability to bid for future contracts.
I am concerned that under the proposed concession model, publicly owned rail operators will not be allowed to bid for future rail contracts. What plans does he have in this regard?
We will outline our plans for the railway in a White Paper when the course of the pandemic becomes clearer.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific plans regarding publicly owned rail operators' ability to bid under the new model
When The Course Of The Pandemic Becomes Clearer
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled individuals face significant barriers to employment due to a lack of accessibility on the transport system.
Prior to this pandemic, many disabled people reported that work opportunities were out of reach due to insufficient accessibility on the transport system. What measures is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that disabled people are not prevented from accessing and staying in employment because of pressing accessibility issues on our rail network?
The hon. Lady asks a very sensible question on a very important day, the United Nations-sponsored International Day of Persons with Disabilities. There is some good news, because 75% of all journeys—on what is a Victorian network that we are trying to upgrade—are now through step-free stations, compared with 50% only a few years ago.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to address accessibility issues for disabled individuals
Asking A Very Sensible Question On An Important Day
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Transport Committee has been struggling to obtain copies of emergency contracts between the Government and train operators, which are crucial for understanding the termination payment process.
In September, the Government implemented the second set of emergency contracts with train operators. Despite two months having passed, these contracts have not yet been provided to the Transport Committee. May I urge the Minister to expedite this process? Additionally, when can we expect an update on how the termination payment process is progressing?
I am not sure that my officials would ever do anything shifty whatever. I completely understand and appreciate that my hon. Friend's Committee wishes to see the redacted emergency recovery measures agreements as soon as practicable, but in the second part of his question he outlined the reason why the redaction of the documents is so important: there are extremely sensitive commercial negotiations ongoing at this point. He has my commitment that as soon as practicable, as we did with the emergency measures agreements before them, we will publish these documents and give them to his Committee.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for making emergency contracts available and providing an update on termination payments
Extremely Sensitive Commercial Negotiations Ongoing
Response accuracy