Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to (a) increase flexible season ticketing options and (b) increase the cost effectiveness of travel for rail users who are required to travel but with less frequency as a result of the covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The Government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a fundamental change in working patterns and that this could have long-term effects on commuter behaviour. As we move from lockdown to recovery, it is important that we get the balance right in the short and medium term between managing demand and ensuring that we provide better value for money for passengers going forward. The Department is working with industry to explore already available options for flexible commuters, such as carnets, and what steps could be taken quickly to make these as useful and convenient for passengers as possible.