Responding to the DfT's new rail franchising policy, pteg Chair, Geoff Inskip, said:

'We are very pleased that the Government's new franchising policy recognises that passengers get a better deal where responsibilities for local rail services are devolved. We share Ministers' aspiration to see these success stories replicated elsewhere. All PTE rail networks are different in their scale and nature so rightly the DfT has said that it wants to look at our role on rail franchising on a case by case basis. We look forward to holding positive discussions with DfT and other stakeholders on how best to run local rail services, including the critical issues around costs and risks.'

ENDS

For more contact Jonathan Bray on 0113 251 7445 / 0781 804 1485