argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Road Safety — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: I welcome the Minister to his place. One of the best ways to improve road safety, improve air quality and reduce congestion is to get on with the major roads network fund. Cornwall Council has prioritised the Camelford bypass as its main contribution to this scheme, and I would welcome a meeting with him to discuss it.
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): May I take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed my visit to my hon. Friend’s constituency while I was responsible for another portfolio some time ago? My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been to see the local challenge for the Camelford bypass and is therefore visibly sighted on it. It has much merit, and I am happy to meet my hon. Friend. My officials are working with Cornwall Council to assess the scheme so that a decision can be made as soon as possible, and I hope that it will get on and submit it.
Road Safety — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: I welcome the Minister to his place. One of the best ways to improve road safety, improve air quality and reduce congestion is to get on with the major roads network fund. Cornwall Council has prioritised the Camelford bypass as its main contribution to this scheme, and I would welcome a meeting with him to discuss it.
Benjamin David Bradley (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome my hon. Friend’s mention of improvements to A roads. The most problematic A road in my constituency has had several visits from the Secretary of State. There are detailed plans for improvements to what is known as the Sainsbury’s junction in Mansfield with the Department: can the Minister update me on progress?
Road Safety — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: I welcome the Minister to his place. One of the best ways to improve road safety, improve air quality and reduce congestion is to get on with the major roads network fund. Cornwall Council has prioritised the Camelford bypass as its main contribution to this scheme, and I would welcome a meeting with him to discuss it.
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): It is very kind of the hon. Lady to invite me to appear before her Committee: I think that something is already in the diary. On cycling, I have already spoken to Transport for London about that. I have been on a bike several times this week and will be again later. On the important issue of mobile phone use while driving, the Department has been working extremely hard: we have increased the penalty points from three to six, and we have put a lot of investment into social media to warn users of the dangers and we will continue to do so.
Public Transport — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): Local bus journeys remain central to transport choices, accounting for around 59% of all public transport journeys. The Bus Services Act 2017, introduced by this Government, gives local authorities tools to improve local bus services and increase passenger numbers. The Government spend around £2 billion a year supporting passenger road transport. We are also investing record levels in the UK rail network as part of the biggest modernisation programme for many decades.
Public Transport — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): On that latter point, I am aware of the interest of the hon. Lady’s constituents, and it is something we will look at very carefully. I hope she welcomes the Government’s substantial investment in improved rolling stock, improved capacity and improved speed on the Great Western main line, which will benefit her constituency and the whole economy of south Wales The hon. Lady also talks about transport investment. It is surprising that, in the past few days, the Labour Administration in Wales have backed away from a major upgrade to the M4, which, of course, is the most significant artery for south Wales and its economy.
Public Transport — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): We are taking a variety of different measures. In this country, we will shortly be seeing the first battery hybrid trains and the first hydrogen-powered trains, and we are providing support for low emission and ultra-low emission buses. Indeed, I recently went to the constituency of the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Andrew Jones) to see the work that the local bus company is doing to introduce entirely electric-powered local bus routes. There is a huge amount happening, but of course, there is a lot more to do to decarbonise the whole public transport sector and our road transport, too.
Public Transport — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): Of course we will be responding to the report shortly, but if the hon. Gentleman looks across the country, he will see that the place where bus mileage has been falling fastest is in Labour-controlled Wales. Actually, there has been a small increase in the number of routes during my time as Secretary of State. The Government are committed to supporting new, innovative ways to expand bus utilisation, which is why we support the demand-responsive services that are emerging across the country and are committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible choice for passengers The hon. Gentleman referred to the powers under the 2017 Act, and in my time as Secretary of State, I have not received a single proposal or request to introduce bus franchising under that Act. Notwithstanding that fact, I would be happy to do so if I saw evidence that it would improve passenger services.
East Coast Main Line: New Trains — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): A comment was made earlier about investment in the north, and the Azuma trains, which will shortly be running to the north-east and Scotland and are already running in Leeds, are a huge investment in transport connections to the north. They will reduce journey times, and alongside that, the substantial multi-hundred million pound investment that we are putting into the east coast main line will improve journey times, too. That is another sign of this Government’s commitment to providing better transport links in and for the north.
East Coast Main Line: New Trains — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Julian Charles Sturdy (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome that answer. The Secretary of State is right that the introduction of the new Azuma trains is an exciting development for the city of York, given the importance of the east coast main line to our great city, but can he assure me that we will have no further delays in their introduction? There have been signalling problems north of York, and the Azuma trains will be arriving in York on 1 August.
East Coast Main Line: New Trains — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): My understanding is that those trains are on track to start running as targeted at the start of August and will be going to Scotland later this year. They will deliver a transformative experience—more seats and faster, better journeys for people travelling from Scotland in the north to London and within the north, between places such as York and Newcastle. This is a really important investment.
East Coast Main Line: New Trains — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): It is interesting that when I speak to civic leaders in the north, they all talk enthusiastically about HS2. The new trains are already operating and have been for several weeks. They have been operating, as intended, initially on the route to Leeds; they will start on the route to York, Newcastle and Edinburgh shortly; and later this year and/or early next year they will be in operation right the way up through Scotland. This is a huge investment in better transport for people all the way up the east coast.
Public Transport: London — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor. Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport hold regular discussions with representatives of the Greater London Authority, including the Mayor and deputy Mayor, on a range of transport matters.
Public Transport: London — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Minister speak to the Mayor of London to urge him to reverse the reductions in service to the end of the Northern line, which sees more trains turning back at Finchley Central, thereby requiring people to change trains?
Public Transport: London — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sorry to say that the Mayor of London is letting Londoners down in transport. He has cancelled investment projects that are his responsibility, cut bus and underground services and axed an extension to the Metropolitan line, despite the Government loaning £2.6 million to the Mayor through our Department. I am appalled that, despite that loan, Sadiq Khan is letting Londoners down.
Public Transport: London — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): One reason why the Mayor of London has a black hole in his budget is that he has not been running transport services properly. I am sure that the hon. Lady’s area will be doing a better job and will hope to do a better job.
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): The Department sets the strategy for Network Rail. Its priority is to deliver a safe and efficient railway for passengers, freight customers and the taxpayer. The Secretary of State and I meet regularly with Network Rail on its financial performance and progress against the aims set out in its delivery plan. The "Putting Passengers First" programme is built around issues facing the industry. We are engaging with Network Rail as it implements this programme.
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): We had a very good debate on the Suggitt’s Lane level crossing only last week in Westminster Hall. Network Rail is accountable to the Secretary of State, but that does not mean that we can interfere or overrule its operational decisions. However, I have undertaken to meet Network Rail to ensure that it is aware of the views of the hon. Lady and my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers). I met with some of the people who had travelled down from the area to understand their views and will ensure that Network Rail is fully sighted on those views.
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): Network Rail made a mistake when it demolished the Leyland bridge, which links my constituency and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone). I am pleased to say that, with the Minister’s help, it is going to be rebuilt, but will he help us to keep the pressure up and ensure that those works are completed as soon as possible?
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): I will of course happily meet the hon. Gentleman. The "Putting Passengers First" programme is all about greater collaboration and customer focus in the industry. I am happy to take that matter forward with the hon. Gentleman.
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Martin John Vickers (Conservative, Centre-right): As the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Melanie Onn) pointed out, and as the Minister is well aware, residents in Grimsby and Cleethorpes are very angry about the closure of Suggitt’s Lane level crossing. I appreciate the Minister’s help and assistance, but the reality is that there is no real accountability on this issue. If the community cannot hold Network Rail to account through their elected representatives, surely it is now time to look again at the existing legislation.
Network Rail: Accountability — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend has campaigned vigorously on this issue, and I know that he chaired a meeting on 31 May between Network Rail and North East Lincolnshire Council to discuss the issue and options for alternative provision, with specific reference to the Fuller Street bridge. I understand that Network Rail has agreed in principle to contribute to the enhancement of that bridge, should it prove viable. The key point is to make sure that the views of all those involved are considered and that we come to a happy conclusion as quickly as possible. I am happy to work with all sides to help to achieve a positive outcome.
Taxi Services — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): My Department is considering the responses to the consultation on draft statutory guidance, to be issued to licensing authorities, on how they should use their extensive existing powers to protect children and vulnerable adults when using taxis and private hire vehicles. The response to the report by the task and finish group on taxi and private-hire vehicle licensing committed the Government—I am keen to do this—to bring forward legislation to enable national minimum standards in licensing, enable greater enforcement powers and establish a national licensing database to assist in the sharing of relevant information.
Taxi Services — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): I never want to lose out to the Mayor of London, so I hope that that is not the case. Greener taxis are on the agenda. Not only has the hon. Gentleman been incredibly supportive of this issue, but he has guided me in the putting together of our response to the task and finish group. As he knows, I really am keen to try to secure a date, and the fact that the matter has been mentioned multiple times this morning will help me to do so.
Weekday Train Services: Kettering — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: What estimate he has made of the number of weekday train services northbound from Kettering on the main line under the (a) existing and (b) new train franchise.
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): Currently, on average, two East Midlands trains per hour call at Kettering northbound on weekdays, with one going to Corby and one to Nottingham. From December 2020, double the number of trains will call at Kettering: two will be on a dedicated St Pancras to Corby service and two will be on the long-distance Nottingham service.
Weekday Train Services: Kettering — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: What estimate he has made of the number of weekday train services northbound from Kettering on the main line under the (a) existing and (b) new train franchise.
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): The roll-out of the midland main line electrification is obviously a key project, and I will keep the House posted on its progress. I can inform my hon. Friend that the station will get many new benefits from the East Midlands franchise. They will include station wi-fi, LED lighting and help points. There will be improved lay-out and a bus interchange, a multimodal customer information system, drinking water fountains, customer lounges, refurbished toilets, new cafés, customer waiting areas, a third-party west side station entrance development, 60 new secure cycle spaces, six electric vehicle charging points, ANPR car park technology, 200 additional car park spaces and air quality monitors. Basically, it is all happening at Kettering station.
Rail Connectivity: North-West — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): Northern is now running an extra 2,000 services per week compared with two years ago and is introducing major improvements for its customers, including 101 brand new trains, which will be operating on the network from this summer. This is part of a major programme of rail investment across the north, which will see room for more than 40,000 passengers at the busiest times and will help transform the rail experience for coastal communities travelling into the cities.
Rail Connectivity: North-West — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Damien Moore (Conservative, Centre-right): The hourly service from Southport to Manchester Piccadilly is absolutely vital for residents and businesses in Southport. Will my hon. Friend and the Department for Transport join Network Rail in supporting my bid to restore the hourly service from Southport to Manchester Piccadilly in the December 2019 timetable?
Rail Connectivity: North-West — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is a great champion of rail services in his area, just as he was of the Access for All bid for Hillside station. I appreciate how vital it is to have regular and reliable train services. I am aware that an additional service was added in the May ’19 timetable, and we are working on an extra service for December. Obviously, I am very happy to keep the pressure up and will keep him posted as we make progress.
Public Transport: Disabled People — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): In July 2018, my Department published the inclusive transport strategy. Our ambition is to create a transport system that provides equal access for disabled people by 2030, and to ensure that disabled people can travel confidently, easily and without extra cost. The Department is making good progress delivering on the many commitments set out in the strategy, and I will be providing a one-year report to Parliament in the summer.
Public Transport: Disabled People — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): Audiovisual is incredibly important, and they should be delivered by 2020. We want to make sure that our buses are accessible, convenient and as cheap as they can be, and this new bit of technology will enable them to be so.
Public Transport: Disabled People — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): Absolutely. And that should not be the case. We have put together a really good inclusive transport strategy that sets out how passengers can be treated appropriately in all elements of their travel, and the airports should be doing much better. There is an aviation strategy, and there is also quite a big chunk in the inclusive transport strategy. I am more than happy to sit down with the hon. Lady.
Bus Services: England — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): The Bus Services Act 2017 provides the tools that local authorities need, such as enhanced partnerships and franchising, to improve local bus services. We are working with interested local authorities to determine which of the powers provided are best able to support bus networks in their areas. We are also ensuring that pioneering technology, such as the forthcoming bus open data digital service, can overhaul bus services across England and give passengers the information they need to travel with confidence.
Bus Services: England — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): Unfortunately, the hon. Gentleman is painting an unrealistic picture. Up and down the country, there are varying numbers of bus passengers. In Bristol, bus passenger numbers are up by 50% and in south Gloucestershire they are up by 36%. We need to put a package of items together to encourage people to use buses. There is the ability to have either franchising or enhanced partnerships that allow local authorities to have a stronger and better relationship with bus companies.
Bus Services: England — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: Several Members have referred to the health of the bus market. What steps is the Minister taking to address the specific issues of the recruitment and retention of bus drivers, as highlighted in the Transport Committee’s report, and, particularly, of safety, with regard to the Bill being promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western)?
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): Safety is absolutely key. We know that the driver’s relationship with the passengers is what motivates most people to jump on a bus, especially if they have issues to do with disability. I will be responding shortly to the Transport Committee’s report on buses.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Environment
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): Given the Government’s announcement yesterday about our commitment to pursuing a net zero strategy for carbon emissions, it might be helpful to set out three ways in which my Department is playing its part in taking this forward We are now awarding funding for innovative new ideas to transform the railways. I have already mentioned the first operating hydrogen train, but we are putting together a package of additional measures, which are being announced today, to upgrade the technology on the rail system. The Government car service is already taking steps to decarbonise its fleet. I will be encouraging other Government Departments to get their agencies that have fleets to do the same. This summer, we will be publishing our clean maritime plan setting out our role as a global leader in tackling the whole issue of carbon emissions in the maritime sector.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Christopher Stephen Grayling (Conservative, Centre-right): The message it sends is that we have been very clear that while we are going through the process of upgrading the midland main line, there will be some effects on services. However, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will welcome the improvements that have just been completed at Market Harborough—one of the big parts of the programme of upgrading the route. Derby station was another part completed fairly recently. This is designed to improve journey times to Sheffield as part of a commitment to transport both to his area and the whole of the north.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-06-13
Topic: Transportation
Questions: The Mayor and Transport for London have been consulting on major changes to the bus network in London. Will the Secretary of State urge the Mayor to drop his plans to remove the 384 bus route from many roads in New Barnet and the Bevan estate?
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): As my right hon. Friend will know, decisions on bus routes are down to the Mayor of London. I think he needs to focus on delivering for Londoners and not just faffing around trying to take selfies. He should be spending more time with Londoners to understand exactly the sort of bus services they need and which journeys they need to take.