To ask Her Majesty’s Government what passenger benefits they expect to negotiate in return for the 30-month extension to the East Midlands Trains franchise.

The Government has not yet begun these negotiations. However, as the Secretary of State for Transport said on 26 March 2013 when launching the new franchising programme, we only expect to make direct awards where there is an affordable and value for money case for doing so. In concluding the negotiations with East Midlands Trains we will secure continued provision of service for passengers on the route and will consider what further benefits may be appropriate for the period of the direct award, taking into account customer feedback.