Urgent question on the South Eastern rail franchise
23 April 2019 (updated on 23 April 2019)
Sevenoaks MP, Sir Michael Fallon, asked the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, to give an update on the delay in awarding the South Eastern rail franchise.
The South Eastern franchise covers commuter and regional services from Kent and East Sussex to London which are currently operated by Govia under the Southeastern brand.
The next franchise had originally been due to start on December 2018, but the refranchising process was delayed. On March 21 a DfT spokesperson had told Railway Gazette International that the department had not yet made a decision, but the refranchising process had not been stopped.
- Watch Parliament TV: Urgent Question South Eastern rail franchise
- Read Commons Hansard: South Eastern rail franchise
Addressing the delay, Andrew Jones, the Rail Minister told MPs,
"We're taking these steps to ensure continuity of services for passengers. This additional time is necessary to deliver the best possible outcome for passengers and taxpayers alike"
Responding, Sir Michael Fallon questioned the Minister's statement saying, "he hasn't quite explained why such a mess has been made of this franchise” and asked for further clarifications to "restore confidence in the whole franchising system".
Image: Pixabay/Michael Gaida
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