Asked by: Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many visits were made by Ministers of his Department to Torbay constituency in the 12 months to 14 October 2014; whom the invitation for each such visit was issued by; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such visit.
Answered by Claire Perry
No ministerial visits were made to Torbay constituency in the specified period. As is the convention, however, Members of Parliament would be notified in advance of any Ministerial visits to their constituency if they were to occur.
Asked by: Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with train operating companies on the nature and level of compensation available to passengers for delayed and cancelled services; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Stephen Hammond
All Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are required under their franchise agreement to have in place a Passenger's Charter which will include arrangements for compensation for passengers.
In connection with the severe weather related disruption earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) sought to understand what First Great Western's proposals on compensation were likely to be. Where discussions have taken place with other TOCs these will also have been to ensure that the DfT was aware of their intentions and not to seek to require these to be changed.
An improved system of compensation based on delays to individual journeys, known as Delay/Repay, is being introduced for all passengers in place of the system of poor performance discounts and optional Void Days for season ticket holders. Introduction is taking place as franchises are let following competitions and opportunities arise within Direct Awards and existing franchises. Where discussions have taken place between the DfT and TOCs these will have been in this context.
Asked by: Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what compensation will be available to train operating companies as a result of the rail line closures in the South West of England in early 2014.
Answered by Stephen Hammond
Any compensation for the train operators in respect of the rail line closures in the South West of England in early 2014 would be paid by Network Rail in accordance with the track access agreement between Network Rail and the individual train operating companies, as regulated by the Office of Rail Regulation.