VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Cross Country Trains: Contracts

Asked by Martin WrigleyLiberal DemocratDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 1 July 2025UIN 62139

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of ending cross-country train contracts early.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

Officials monitor all operators against the train service performance benchmarks in their contracts. CrossCountry performance in 2024 was not good enough so enforcement action was taken.

Cancellations have reduced since January 2025 but remain high, particularly at weekends. The operator knows it has much work to do to reduce cancellations and improve services. If CrossCountry does not meet performance obligations, the Department will not hesitate to take appropriate action in line with their contract.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim