To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the implementation of part-time season tickets on the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) franchise will require in-franchise changes to the contract agreed with GTR; what estimate he has made of the costs of implementing part-time season tickets on that franchise; who will meet the cost of that implementation; and if he will make a statement.
Answered on
17 January 2019
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have an obligation within their Franchise Agreement to introduce carnet-based season tickets on their smart card ticket “The Key”. Any set up and ongoing operational costs would be the responsibility of GTR, and any revenue impact the responsibility of the Department as all GTR farebox revenue passes to the Department under the GTR contract. Work is ongoing to develop options for a carnet season ticket and understand the impact these tickets would have on revenue.