Asked by: Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with train operating companies and other public transport providers about the use of artificial intelligence for announcements, following the case of 'Iona' on ScotRail.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Train Operating Companies are required and regulated by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as part of their licence conditions to ensure they provide appropriate and accurate information to enable railway passengers and prospective passengers to plan and make their journeys with confidence, including when there is disruption. Buses in England outside London are largely run on a commercial basis, and so any decisions over announcements are for bus operators to make, who are responsible for managing their fleet.