Train Operating Companies: Standards
Commons · Question 64181 · Tabled 1 Jul 2025 · Department for Transport · Official record
Answered 9 Jul 2025
Question
Asked by Gregory Stafford
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with South Western Rail on the role of open access rail operators in supporting (a) connectivity, (b) passenger choice and (c) service quality within the UK rail network.
Answer
Answered by Simon Lightwood, 9 Jul 2025
There have been no such conversations with SWR regarding Open Access. Open Access Operators can improve connectivity and choice for passengers but can also increase costs to taxpayers and create additional performance pressures. We have been clear that Op...