Extract from Transport Questions - Hull Trains

During questions time in the Commons today, Peter Gibson asked what steps the Transport Secretary was taking to support open-access train operators during the current crisis and if he would take all "available action to ensure these essential providers of transport and competition on the railways survived the pandemic."

Grant Shapps replied he was "keen as mustard" on open-access trains. They provided good competition and tended to have the highest satisfaction levels. The two primary ones were Hull Trains and Grand Central. Hull Trains had mothballed for the time being. In the case of both, which had large train operating companies behind them, "we do look to the train operating companies to be clear about what they want to do about going forward." Hull Trains were currently furloughing their staff. "We look forward to continuing conversations with them. I think it is an important and unique part of our transport system to have that challenge in place."