Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what measures will be included in the forthcoming Southeastern franchise agreement for the successful franchisee to ensure that as few services as possible are run with short formations.

The forthcoming South Eastern franchise agreement includes a Short Formation regime in Schedule 7.1 where there is a financial incentive to ensure the franchisee meets the train formations agreed, which varies depending on the level of failure. Any income from this regime has to be invested in the franchise. In addition, poor performance in this area can be regarded as a breach in terms of the contract.