Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what arrangements are in place for the collapse of the procurement of the Wales and Borders rail franchise should the franchise not be awarded within the allocated time frame.

It is the responsibility of the Welsh Government to procure the Wales and Borders rail franchise. However, should these circumstances arise, an extension of the existing Franchise Agreement could be called for seven railway periods (i.e. 28 weeks). There is also the potential to negotiate an extension of up to 65 railway periods with the existing franchisee, as well as the Department having the standard Railways Act Operator of Last Resort powers.