<p>The Wales and Borders Rail Franchise</p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:34 pm on 9 November 2016.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:34, 9 November 2016

Yes, of course. The Member will be aware that there are restrictions in place, through legislation from Parliament, that prevents only not-for-profit operators from bidding for the franchise. But we have designed the procurement system as such that it does not disadvantage any not-for-profit bidders, should they wish to come forward—none have, but what we have done is design a solution that fits with our limited powers. We are seeking changes to those powers, to enable, potentially, Transport for Wales, for example, and another not-for-profit operator in the future, to run the services that could be part of a future franchise. But, for the time being, we have designed a model—we’ve been as innovative as we possibly can—to ensure that as much of the franchise through concessions in the next round can be operated on a not-for-profit basis. The process of competitive dialogue will also place, right at the forefront of deliberation, service quality for passengers, rather than profit motive, and I would share the aspirations that the member has outlined today—for all money to be retained within Wales and to be reinvested in the network. It’s what passengers expect from their public services.