Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what mechanisms will her Department put in place to ensure operational decisions taken by Great British Railways are accountable to passengers.

GBR will be held to account for railway performance and customer experience.

There will be a powerful voice for passengers, the Passenger Watchdog, which will independently monitor passenger experience, advocate for passengers and monitor GBR and other operators. Minimum consumer standards will be set and monitored by the Passenger Watchdog and independently enforced by ORR. ORR will also have powers to independently monitor GBR's business performance and advise the Transport Secretary.

When developing its Integrated Business Plan, GBR will be required to consult with the Passenger Watchdog and will have a continuing general duty to consider the interests of passengers and the needs of passengers with disabilities.