Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many intercity train services operated by Great Western Railway are operating in unplanned short formation; what is the reason for this; and when the normal operating arrangements will be reinstated.

1.37 per cent of Intercity Trains were short formed in period 13 (the most recent rail period). Although more reliable than the trains they replaced, Great Western Railway has more intercity sets out of service than normal due to damage caused by infrastructure issues (such as flooding), the long-term crack repairs programme, and the impact of poor performance on the network. Great Western Railway is working with Hitachi Rail Group to resolve this and senior staff at Great Western Railway meet frequently with Hitachi counterparts to ensure that the necessary fleet numbers are available.