Questions
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 9 March (HL2546), whether their plan to let the East Coast franchise in 2011 takes account of the experience of the previous two franchises. [HL2718]
The new intercity east coast franchise is planned to start in autumn 2011. The specification for the new franchise builds on the improvements delivered by the previous franchisees and the current public sector operator. Provisions will be incorporated in the new franchise agreement to ensure that it is more robust against risks that could lead to premature termination.
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 9 March (HL2546), whether their plan to let the East Coast franchise in 2011 takes account of their intention to review the franchising process. [HL2719]
The Government plan to incorporate the recommendations from their review of rail franchising into the new InterCity east coast franchise within the timescale for letting of that franchise in 2011.
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To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 9 March (HL2546), whether their plan to let the East Coast franchise in 2011 takes account of the state of the economy and any effects thereof on the competitiveness of bids. [HL2720]
The new InterCity east coast franchise is planned to start in autumn 2011. A key element of the franchise specification process is to forecast future demand for rail travel, taking into account the best available data on current and future economic conditions. Economic conditions do not have a direct impact on the competitiveness of bids, although clearly they affect the level of premium that bidders may be able to offer.
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To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 9 March (HL2546), whether their plan to let the East Coast franchise in 2011 takes account of their intention to introduce a significantly revised timetable in mid-2011. [HL2721]
The new InterCity east coast franchise is planned to start in autumn 2011 and the franchise specification assumes that the proposed new timetable will have been introduced in May 2011.