Early day motion 2647

GREAT WESTERN FRANCHISE

• Session: 2010-12
• Date tabled: 25.01.2012
• Primary sponsor: McDonnell, John
• Sponsors:
  • Clark, Katy
  • Corbyn, Jeremy
  • Hoey, Kate
  • Hopkins, Kelvin [R]
  • Skinner, Dennis

That this House notes that the Department for Transport has recently published the Great Western Franchise consultation document; is concerned that proposals in the document to encourage smart ticketing technology and to explore options to sell tickets in local shops could lead to a consolidation of the McNulty report recommendation that train operators should consider closing all Category E station ticket offices, of which there are almost 30 on the Great Western route; is opposed to any such closures; is concerned that there is no explicit commitment in the consultation document that restaurant cars open to standard and first class passengers will be retained; further notes that the introduction of new Intercity Express trains raises fears amongst the existing fleet maintenance workforce about their future employment prospects; seeks a commitment that existing staff will have their jobs protected; and supports the retention of guards on all services where they are currently provided.