Transport Secretary to face Committee on rail nationalisation, airport expansions and driving test backlogs
MPs will question the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on a range of topical issues that the Committee has looked into, across every mode of transport.
Meeting details
Alexander is likely to be asked about progress with reducing the driving tests backlog, and whether the Government has a joined-up strategy with its approach to supporting airport expansions whilst reducing carbon emissions.
The Minister, joined by DfT Permanent Secretary Jo Shanmugalingam, will also likely be asked about the performance of rail services that have been taken into public ownership, and preparing for the establishment of Great British Railways.
The Committee will be keen to press Alexander on DfT’s responses to its reports on accessibility across the transport sector, particularly on how the Government could reform the regulatory and enforcement system around accessibility failures.
Alexander may also be asked to explain why DfT rejected many of the Committee’s recommendations on improving the buses sector – including the bus fare cap – and regulating street works.
There may also be questions about how the Department for Transport will implement cuts to its budget – how it will be able to retain skills and competencies while shedding staff.
The Committee could also ask about investments in road networks, East-West Rail and international train travel.