Trains: Bicycles

Annette Brooke
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the provision for cycles on trains operated by South West Trains.

Mr. Tom Harris
The Department has received several hundred letters about the integration of cycling and rail. Of those a small number refer specifically to issues on South West Trains.

Annette Brooke
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specifications to franchises he is able to make regarding provision for cycles on trains.

Mr. Tom Harris
Bidders for the South Western franchise were asked to consider cycle-rail integration matters in their bid submissions as are the three current franchises that are out to tender; East Midlands, West Midlands and New Cross Country are also being asked. The Intercity East Coast franchise replacement specification will also require bidders to consider bike-rail integration and facilities at stations.