Further to WQ95581, what discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the UK Government about ensuring that fares will not increase due to longer travel times during the construction of Old Oak Common?
Construction of the HS2 station at Old Oak Common is expected to continue over the coming years. During this time, there will continue to be periods when Great Western Railway services between South Wales and London will be disrupted.
HS2 Limited, Great Western Railway and the UK Government are working to ensure that disruption to services is minimised and communicated to passengers in advance as the construction programme develops.
I have regular discussions with the UK Government and Great Western Railway regarding cross-border rail services. The UK Government is responsible for setting regulated rail fares for the Great Western Railway services to London, with Great Western Railway themselves able to set unregulated fares and provide offers to passengers. I expect Great Western Railway to take into account the disruption from the HS2 works and to ensure that they offer value for money fares for passengers.