NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE REPORT LETTING RAIL FRANCHISES 2005-2007

That this House welcomes the National Audit Office report Letting Rail Franchises 2005-2007; but notes with concern that the problems of overcrowding and increasing peak fares are likely to be exacerbated in the future through higher passenger demand; calls on the Government to increase its commitment of 1,300 new carriages for the rail network to ensure that demand for rolling stock is met across the UK; further calls on the Government to improve its commitment to public transport by seriously considering re-opening dormant lines and stations; and further calls on the Government to ensure that regulated fares do not increase at a rate above the Retail Prices Index.