Written Question: Rail Devolution

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what responsibilities they intend (1) Great British Railways, and (2) Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to have for (a) setting fares, (b) specifying service levels, and (c) holding operators to account for local rail services integrated into the Bee Network.

Minister of State, Department for Transport (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, CBE):

The Government and rail industry is working closely in partnership with Greater Manchester to support the integration of local rail into the Bee Network. Services will be operated by Great British Railways (GBR). We are having continuing conversations regarding the funding and specification of local GBR services.

We aim to balance greater local influence while maintaining GBR's responsibility for delivery as part of the nationally integrated railway. The detailed arrangements, including the respective responsibilities for setting fares, service specification and accountability, are being developed with Greater Manchester and the rail industry.