To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial target has been set for the London Dial-a-ride service. [31450]

I have set a new financial target for the London Dial-a-ride service for achievement for the financial year 1998–99. The new target will be £10.50 per trip at current 1997–98 prices and will replace the previous target set in 1996.The new target will be to allow the Dial-a-ride companies sufficient flexibility to provide a wider range of trips and ensure that the grant is spent in a way which improves services for users.