TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES

Early day motion 156, tabled 24 June 1997 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 43 members.

That this House is concerned to hear of reports that the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is planning to introduce increasingly stringent conditions for the use of rail tickets purchased using network cards; notes that on 13th June ATOC was reported as stating to the Guardian newspaper that the network card will not be available on any train leaving a London terminal or Clapham Junction on weekdays between 16.00 and 19.30 hours; notes also that it has been reported that the cost of a network card will rise from ú14 to ú20; believes that if the reported restrictions are implemented the network card will be severely undermined due to the increased cost and time restrictions deterring many people from choosing rail over private transport; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure that the Regulator has the necessary powers and support to act against the train operating companies in blocking such sweeping changes to the network card.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 1.