Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure the (a) safety and (b) confidence of staff and passengers in train travel and encourage that travel in the context of (a) faults discovered in Hitachi trains and (b) the covid-19 outbreak.

The safety of rail workers and passengers is our highest priority. Following maintenance checks where engineers discovered cracks in some Hitachi trains, Hitachi has implemented a detailed inspection regime that trains have to pass before entering passenger service. This regime was developed in conjunction with, and approved by, the relevant train operators working with the independent safety regulator, the Office for Rail and Road.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have issued comprehensive guidance to train operators on the steps they need to take to protect staff, in line with Public Health England advice, as well as safer travel guidance for passengers, both of which are regularly reviewed and updated. This includes a range of measures to protect and reassure passengers including enhanced cleaning regimes on high touch points, and highlighting quieter services to travel when booking tickets on its websites and apps.

Passengers are urged to check before they travel and to plan ahead, as transport services and roads are likely to be busier as restrictions ease. They are reminded to follow safer travel guidance when they travel, including wearing a face covering unless exempt, sanitising their hands regularly and keeping their distance where possible.