Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the decision to replace the rail franchise model with Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements (ERMAs) (a) has resulted in a change in the designated employer of train operating companies previously holding franchises and (b) will result in a change in designated employer after the expiration of ERMAs in 18 months.

The implementation of the Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements has not resulted in a change in the designated employer – the underlying franchise agreements remain in place.

It is the current intention of the Department to agree directly awarded contracts with operators at the expiration of the ERMA term and underlying franchise agreement. Should these contacts be successfully agreed with incumbent operators, there would be no change in the designated employer.