Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how value for money for the taxpayer is evaluated in the awarding of rolling stock contracts.
Rolling stock procurement is undertaken through fair and open competition, usually by train operators as part of their franchise commitments. Bids submitted as part of a franchise competition are subject to value for money analysis as a whole. It is Government policy to secure benefits for passengers and taxpayers through working with the private sector.