Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Marcus Jones Excerpts
Thursday 7th November 2013

(11 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Hammond Portrait Stephen Hammond
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A number of things were announced in that review. The fare cap was a voluntary initiative put in place by the rail industry. We have not assessed, and nor has anyone else, how many passengers will benefit from that. We have also announced a reduction in the fares “basket flex”, a trial of single-leg pricing for off-peak returns, a trial of flexible ticketing, including discounted fares in quieter periods, and a new code of practice on ticketing information.

Marcus Jones Portrait Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con)
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14. Can my hon. Friend assure me that everything is being done to reduce the cost of running the railways and the inefficiencies that the previous Government left behind so that we can move towards an era of no above-inflation rises?

Stephen Hammond Portrait Stephen Hammond
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I am delighted to confirm to my hon. Friend that the package of measures that we have worked up will continue to bear down on the cost of running the railways. We recognise the cost of living and the implications of fare increases. That is why the Government are doing something to help commuters and anyone travelling on the railways. It is noticeable that Passenger Focus recommended the recent package that the Government put forward.