Railways: Rolling Stock

Lord Bradshaw
asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many requests they have received in the past 18 months from train operating companies to be allowed to provide additional rolling stock to meet passenger demand. [HL4328]

Lord Bassam of Brighton
The Government's approach to providing extra rolling stock to meet passenger demand is through the high-level output specification (HLOS) process. In addition, the Department for Transport meets train operators regularly to discuss a range of issues including, on occasion, proposals for additional rolling stock. However, no specific proposal for the department to fund extra rolling stock other than that identified through HLOS has proceeded beyond the informal discussion stage within the past 18 months.

Lord Bradshaw
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why train operating companies may not negotiate freely with rolling stock companies about the supply of new rolling stock. [HL4330]

Lord Bassam of Brighton
With the exception of the InterCity Express programme, the Thameslink programme, and the additional Pendolinos, all of which are being led by the Department for Transport, train operators are free to negotiate with rolling stock companies about the supply of new rolling stock during the term of their franchise.