Railways Act 1993

Franchising of passenger services E+W+S

23 Passenger services to be subject to franchise agreements. E+W+S

(1) It shall be the duty of the [F1 appropriate designating authority] from time to time to designate [F2 such services for the carriage of passengers by railway (other than services which are, by virtue of section 24 below, exempt from designation under this subsection) as it considers ought to be provided under franchise agreements.].

(2) The [F1 appropriate designating authority] may perform [F3 its] duty under subsection (1) above by designating particular services or services of a class or description.

[F4 ((2ZA)) Where the Scottish Ministers designate Scotland-only services, they may also designate cross-border services which—

(a) they consider should be provided under the same franchise agreement as particular Scotland-only services or a particular class of them; and

(b) are not exempt from designation under subsection (1) by virtue of section 24.

((2ZB)) Nothing in this section requires the Secretary of State to designate a cross-border service already designated by the Scottish Ministers.

((2ZC)) Before the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers designate a cross-border service he or they must consult the other.]

[F5 (2A) A designation may be varied or revoked; but a variation or revocation of the designation of particular services, or services of a class or description, shall not affect any franchise agreement previously entered into with respect to those services or services of that class or description.

(2B) F6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(3) In this Part—

• [F7 “the appropriate designating authority”—

  (a)

  in relation to Scotland-only services, means the Scottish Ministers; and

  (b)

  in relation to all other services, means the Secretary of State;

• “the appropriate franchising authority”—

  (a)

  in relation to a Scottish franchise agreement, means the Scottish Ministers; and

  (b)

  in relation to any other franchise agreement, means the Secretary of State;]

• “franchise agreement” means an agreement [F8 with the Secretary of State, with the Scottish Ministers or with the Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales jointly,]under which another party undertakes either—

  (a)

  to provide, or

  (b)

  to secure that a wholly owned subsidiary of his provides,

  throughout the franchise term those services for the carriage of passengers by railway to which the agreement relates;

• “franchise operator”, in relation to any franchise agreement, means the person (whether the franchisee or, as the case may be, the wholly owned subsidiary of the franchisee) who is to provide the franchised services;

• “franchise period”, in relation to any franchise agreement, means the franchise term, except where the franchise agreement is terminated before the end of that term, in which case it means so much of that term as ends with that termination;

• “franchise term”, in relation to any franchise agreement, means the period specified in the franchise agreement as the period throughout which the franchisee is to provide, or secure that a wholly owned subsidiary of his provides, the franchised services, and includes any such extension of that period as is mentioned in section 29(3) below;

• “franchised services”, in relation to any franchise agreement, means the services for the carriage of passengers by railway which are to be provided under that franchise agreement;

• “franchisee” means—

  (a)

  in relation to a franchise agreement under which a party undertakes to secure that a wholly owned subsidiary of his provides the franchised services, the party so undertaking; or

  (b)

  in relation to any other franchise agreement, the person who is to provide the franchised services.

(4) Any reference in this Part to the provision of services under a franchise agreement is a reference to the provision of those services by the franchise operator; and where the franchise operator is, or is to be, a wholly owned subsidiary of the franchisee, any reference to the provision of services by the franchisee under a franchise agreement shall accordingly be construed as a reference to his securing their provision by the franchise operator.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 23(1)(2) substituted (24.7.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 13(1)(5); S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.

F2 Words in s. 23(1) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 212(1) (with Sch. 28 para. 3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F3 Words in s. 23(2) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 14(3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II) (which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F4 S. 23(2ZA)-(2ZC) inserted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 13(2)(5): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F5 S. 23(2A)(2B) inserted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 212(2) (with Sch. 28 para. 3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F6 S. 23(2B) repealed (24.7.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 59, 60, Sch. 1 para. 13(3)(5), Sch. 13 (with s. 14(4)(5), Sch. 11 para. 11(2)); S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.

F7 Definitions of "appropriate designating authority" and "appropriate franchising authority" in s. 23(3) inserted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 13(4)(a)(5): S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F8 Words in definition of "franchise agreement" in s. 23(3) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 13(4)(b)(5): S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 23(1) excluded (1.4.1994) by S.I. 1994/606, art. 6

S. 23(1) excluded (13.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3112, art. 3

Commencement Information

I1 S. 23 wholly in force at 1.4.1994; s. 23 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 154(2); s. 23(3)(4) in force at 6.1.1994 by S.I. 1993/3237, art. 2(2); s. 23 in force at 1.4.1994 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 1994/571, art. 5

24 Exemption of passenger services from section 23(1). E+W+S

(1) The [F9 appropriate designating authority] may by order grant exemption from designation under section 23(1) above in respect of such services for the carriage of passengers by railway as may be specified in the order, but subject to compliance with such conditions (if any) as may be so specified.

(2) A franchise exemption under subsection (1) above may be granted—

(a) to persons of a particular class or description or to a particular person; and

(b) in respect of services generally, services of a particular class or description or a particular service, or in respect of part only of any such services or service;

and a franchise exemption granted to persons of a particular class or description shall be published in such manner as the [F9 appropriate designating authority] considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons of that class or description.

(3) If a person who provides, or who proposes to introduce, services for the carriage of passengers by railway makes an application to the [F9 appropriate designating authority] under this subsection for the grant of an exemption from designation under section 23(1) above in respect of any such service which he provides or proposes to introduce, the [F9 appropriate designating authority] , after consultation with [F10 the Office of Rail Regulation]F11 . . . —

(a) may either grant or refuse the exemption, whether wholly or to such extent as [F12 the appropriate designating authority] may specify in the exemption; and

(b) if and to the extent that [F12 the appropriate designating authority] grants it, may do so subject to compliance with such conditions (if any) as [F12 the appropriate designating authority] may so specify.

[F13 (3A) Before granting a franchise exemption in respect of a cross-border service, the Secretary of State must consult the Scottish Ministers.]

(4) Before granting a franchise exemption under subsection (3) above, the [F9 appropriate designating authority] shall give notice—

(a) stating that [F14 it] proposes to grant the franchise exemption,

(b) stating the reasons why [F14 it] proposes to grant the franchise exemption, and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed franchise exemption may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5) A notice under subsection (4) above shall be given by publishing the notice in such manner as the [F9 appropriate designating authority] considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the grant of the franchise exemption.

(6) If any condition (the “broken condition") of a franchise exemption [F15 granted by the appropriate designating authority is not complied with, it] may give to any relevant person a direction declaring that the franchise exemption is revoked, so far as relating to that person, to such extent and as from such date as may be specified in the direction.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) above—

• “condition”, in relation to a franchise exemption, means any condition subject to compliance with which the franchise exemption was granted;

• “relevant person”, in the case of any franchise exemption, means a person who has the benefit of the franchise exemption and who—

  (a)

  is a person who failed to comply with the broken condition or with respect to whom the broken condition is not complied with; or

  (b)

  provides any of the services in relation to which the broken condition is not complied with.

(8) Subject to subsection (6) above, a franchise exemption, unless previously revoked in accordance with any term contained in the franchise exemption, shall continue in force for such period as may be specified in, or determined by or under, the franchise exemption.

(9) Any application for a franchise exemption under subsection (3) above must be made in writing; and where any such application is made, the [F9 appropriate designating authority] may require the applicant to furnish [F16 it] with such information as the [F9 appropriate designating authority] may consider necessary to enable [F16 it] to decide whether to grant or refuse the franchise exemption.

(10) Any franchise exemption granted under subsection (3) above shall be in writing.

(11) Subsections (1) and (3) above apply in relation to the grant of a franchise exemption whether it is to become effective on, or after, the day on which section 23(1) above comes into force.

(12) Franchise exemptions may make different provision for different cases.

[F17 (12A) A statutory instrument containing an order under this section by the Scottish Ministers is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.]

(13) In this Part, “franchise exemption” means an exemption from designation under section 23(1) above granted under any provision of this section in respect of any service for the carriage of passengers by railway.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 24(1)-(5)(9) substituted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(2); S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F10 Words in s. 24 substituted (5.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 16, 120, {Sch. 2 para. 3(a) Table}; S.I. 2004/827, art. 4(g)

F11 Words in s. 24(3) repealed (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 59, 60, Sch. 13; S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F12 Words in s. 24(3)(a)(b) substituted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(3); S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F13 S. 24(3A) inserted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(4): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F14 Word in s. 24(4) substituted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(5): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F15 Words in s. 24(6) substituted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(6): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F16 Word in s. 24(9) substituted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(7): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

F17 S. 24(12A) inserted (16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 14(1)(8): S.I. 2005/2812, art 2(1), Sch. 1

25 Public sector operators not to be franchisees. E+W+S

(1) The following bodies and persons (in this Part referred to as “public sector operators”) shall not be franchisees—

(a) any Minister of the Crown, Government department or other emanation of the Crown;

(b) any local authority;

[F18 (bb) the Greater London Authority;

F19 (bc) Transport for London;]

(c) any [F20 metropolitan county passenger transport authority] [F20 Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England] ;

(d) any body corporate whose members are appointed by a Minister of the Crown, a Government department, a local authority [F21 , the Greater London Authority, Transport for London] or [F22 a metropolitan county passenger transport authority ] [F22 an Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England] or by a body corporate whose members are so appointed;

(e) a company—

(i) a majority of whose issued shares are held by or on behalf of any of the bodies or persons falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) above;

(ii) in which the majority of the voting rights are held by or on behalf of any of those bodies or persons;

(iii) a majority of whose board of directors can be appointed or removed by any of those bodies or persons; or

(iv) in which the majority of the voting rights are controlled by any of those bodies or persons, pursuant to an agreement with other persons;

(f) a subsidiary of a company falling within paragraph (e) above.

[F23 (2) Expressions used in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) of subsection (1)(e) that are defined for the purposes of the Companies Acts (see section 1174 of, and Schedule 8 to, the Companies Act 2006) have the same meaning in those sub-paragraphs.]

F24 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 25(1)(bb) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 202(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 3, Sch Pt. 3

F19 S. 25(1)(bc) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 202(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 3, Sch Pt. 3

F20 Words in s. 25(1)(c) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), s. 134(4), Sch. 4 para. 58(2)(a); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F21 Words in s. 25(1)(d) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 202(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 3, Sch Pt. 3

F22 Words in s. 25(1)(d) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), s. 134(4), Sch. 4 para. 58(2)(b); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F23 S. 25(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 143(2) (with art. 10)

F24 S. 25(3)-(9) repealed (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274, Sch. 31 Pt. IV; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 25 excluded (22.7.2008) by Crossrail Act 2008 (c. 18), s. 25

Commencement Information

I2 S. 25 wholly in force at 1.4.1994; s. 25 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 154(2); s. 25(1)(2) in force at 6.1.1994 for specified purposes by S.I. 1993/3237, art. 2(2); s. 25 in force at 1.4.1994 insofar as not alreday in force by S.I. 1994/571, art. 5

26 Invitations to tender for franchises. E+W+S

(1) [F25 The appropriate franchising authority may select the person who is to be the franchisee in relation to a franchise agreement]from among those who submit tenders in response to an invitation to tender under this section for the right to provide, or to secure that a wholly owned subsidiary provides, services for the carriage of passengers by railway under that franchise agreement.

(2) The [F26 appropriate franchising authority] shall prepare any such invitation to tender and shall issue that invitation to such persons as [F27 it] may, after consultation with [F28 the Office of Rail Regulation] , think fit.

(3) The [F26 appropriate franchising authority] shall not issue an invitation to tender under this section to (or entertain such a tender from) any person unless [F27 it] is of the opinion that the person has, or is likely by the commencement of the franchise term to have, an appropriate financial position and managerial competence, and is otherwise a suitable person, to be the franchisee.

[F29 (4) F30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F31 (4A) The Secretary of State and the Scottish Ministers shall each publish a statement of policy about how he proposes, or (as the case may be) they propose, to exercise the power under subsection (1) above.

(4B) The statement must in particular include the policy of the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers about—

(a) when his or their selection of the person to be a franchisee under a franchise agreement is likely to be from those submitting tenders in response to an invitation to do so;

(b) when it is likely such an invitation will not be issued; and

(c) the means by which he is, or they are, proposing that the selection will be made in cases where there is no such invitation.

(4C) In deciding whether to select the person who is to be the franchisee under a franchise agreement by means of an invitation to tender and whom so to select, the appropriate franchising authority must have regard to its statement of policy.

(4D) The Secretary of State or Scottish Ministers—

(a) may at any time alter or replace the statement of policy which he has made or (as the case may be) which they have made; and

(b) where that statement is altered or replaced, must publish the altered or replacement statement.

(4E) Before preparing, altering or replacing a statement of policy—

(a) the Secretary of State must consult the National Assembly for Wales and undertake such other consultation as he considers appropriate; and

(b) the Scottish Ministers must undertake such consultation as they consider appropriate.

(4F) Where a statement of policy is prepared, altered or replaced, a copy of it must be laid—

(a) in the case of a statement prepared, altered or replaced by the Secretary of State, before Parliament; and

(b) in the case of a statement prepared, altered or replaced by the Scottish Ministers, before the Scottish Parliament.]]

Textual Amendments

F25 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 15(2)(6); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F26 Words in s. 26(2)(3) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 15(3)(6); S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F27 Words in s. 26(2)(3) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 16(3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)(which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F28 Words in s. 26 substituted (5.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 16, 120, {Sch. 2 para. 3(a) Table}; S.I. 2004/827, art. 4(g)

F29 S. 26(4)-(10) inserted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 212(3) (with Sch. 28 para. 3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F30 S 26(4) repealed (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 15(4)(6), Sch. 13 Pt. 1 (with s. 14(4)(5), Sch. 11 para. 11(2)); S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.

F31 S. 26(4A)-(4F) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) for s. 26(5)-(10) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 15(5)(6); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

[F32 26ZA No adequate tender for franchise received. E+W+S

(1) This section applies in the case of an invitation to tender under section 26 for the provision of services if—

(a) the appropriate franchising authority receives no tender in response to the invitation; or

(b) it receives a tender but considers that the services would be provided more economically and efficiently if they were provided otherwise than under a franchise agreement entered into in response to the tender.

(2) The appropriate franchising authority may —

(a) issue a new invitation to tender under section 26 for the provision of the services;

(b) decide to secure the provision of the services under a franchise agreement with a person who did not submit a tender; or

(c) decide not to seek to secure the provision of the services under a franchise agreement.

(3) Nothing in this section prevents the appropriate franchising authority, where it has decided not to seek to secure the provision of services under a franchise agreement, from subsequently making a decision to issue a new invitation to tender for the provision of those services.]

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 26ZA substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) for ss. 26A, 26B, 26C by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 16; S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F33 26B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34 26C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 Transfer of franchise assets and shares. E+W+S

(1) It shall be the duty of the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] before entering into a franchise agreement to satisfy [F36 itself] that if the franchise agreement is entered into—

(a) the initial franchise assets (if any) for that franchise agreement will be vested in the person who is to be the franchise operator; and

(b) if the franchise agreement is to be one under which the franchisee undertakes to secure that a wholly owned subsidiary of his provides the franchised services, that the franchise operator will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the franchisee.

(2) After a franchise agreement has been entered into, it shall be the duty of the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] , before any property, rights or liabilities are subsequently designated as franchise assets in accordance with the terms of, or by amendment to, the franchise agreement, to satisfy [F36 itself] that, if the property, rights or liabilities in question are so designated, they will be vested in the franchise operator.

(3) Without the consent of the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] , the franchise operator shall not—

(a) if and to the extent that the franchise assets are property or rights—

(i) transfer or agree to transfer, or create or agree to create any security over, any franchise assets or any interest in, or right over, any franchise assets; or

(ii) create or extinguish, or agree to create or extinguish, any interest in, or right over, any franchise assets; and

(b) if and to the extent that the franchise assets are liabilities, shall not enter into any agreement under which any such liability is released or discharged, or transferred to some other person.

(4) Where the franchise agreement is one under which the franchisee undertakes to secure that a wholly owned subsidiary of his provides the franchised services, the franchisee shall not, without the consent of the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] , take any action which would result in the franchise operator ceasing to be a wholly owned subsidiary of his.

(5) Any transaction which is entered into in contravention of subsection (3) or (4) above shall be void.

(6) In England and Wales, no execution or other legal process may be commenced or continued, and no distress may be levied, against any property which is, or rights which are, franchise assets in the case of any franchise agreement.

(7) In Scotland, no diligence or other legal process may be carried out or continued against any property which is, or rights which are, franchise assets in the case of any franchise agreement.

(8) In any case where—

(a) there are to be initial franchise assets in relation to a franchise agreement,

(b) a franchise agreement is to be one which provides for subsequent designation of property, rights or liabilities as franchise assets, or

(c) property, rights or liabilities are to be designated as franchise assets by an amendment made to a franchise agreement,

the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] shall ensure that the franchise agreement includes provision specifying, or providing for the determination of, amounts to be paid in respect of the property, rights and liabilities which, immediately before the end of the franchise period, constitute the franchise assets in relation to that franchise agreement if and to the extent that they are transferred by [F37 a scheme under [F38 section 12 of the Railways Act 2005]]at or after the end of that period.

(9) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions that may be included in a franchise agreement with respect to the acquisition, provision, disposal or other transfer of property, rights or liabilities (whether franchise assets or not), the [F35 appropriate franchising authority] may undertake in a franchise agreement to exercise [F39 its] powers under [F38 section 12 of the Railways Act 2005] to transfer franchise assets to [F39 itself] or another in such circumstances as may be specified in the franchise agreement.

(10) The [F35 appropriate franchising authority] shall ensure that every franchise agreement includes such provision (if any) as [F40 it] may consider appropriate in the particular case for the purpose of securing—

(a) that the franchise assets are adequately maintained, protected and preserved; and

(b) that, at the end of the franchise period, possession of such of the franchise assets as may be specified for the purpose in the agreement, or by the Franchising Director in accordance with the agreement, is delivered up to the Franchising Director or such other person as may be so specified.

(11) In this Part, “franchise assets”, in relation to any franchise agreement, means—

(a) any property, rights or liabilities which are designated as franchise assets in the franchise agreement as originally made (in this section referred to as the “initial franchise assets”), and

(b) any property, rights or liabilities which, after the making of the franchise agreement, are designated as franchise assets in accordance with the terms of, or by an amendment made to, the franchise agreement,

but does not include any property, rights or liabilities which, in accordance with the terms of, or by an amendment made to, the franchise agreement, have for the time being ceased to be designated as franchise assets.

(12) No rights or liabilities under contracts of employment shall be designated as franchise assets.

(13) In this section “security” has the meaning given by section 248(b) of the M1 Insolvency Act 1986.

F41 (14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F41 (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in s. 27 substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 17(1); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F36 Words in s. 27(1)(2) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 17(2); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)(which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F37 Words in s. 27(8) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 252, Sch. 27 para. 24(2); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F38 Words in s. 27(8)(9) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 17(2); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F39 Words in s. 27(8) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 17(4); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)(which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F40 Words in s. 27(10) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 17(5); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)(which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F41 S. 27(14)(15) repealed (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274, Sch. 31 Pt. IV; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

Marginal Citations

M1 1986 c. 45.

28 Fares and approved discount fare schemes. E+W+S

(1) A franchise agreement may include provision with respect to the fares to be charged for travel by means of the franchised services.

(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, if it appears to the [F42 appropriate franchising authority] that the interests of persons who use, or who are likely to use, franchised services so require, [F43 it] shall ensure that the franchise agreement in question contains any such provision as [F43 it] may consider necessary for the purpose of securing that any fares, or any fares of a class or description, which are to be charged are, in [F43 its] opinion, reasonable in all the circumstances of the case.

(3) Every franchise agreement shall include provision requiring the franchise operator—

(a) to participate in every approved discount fare scheme,

(b) to charge fares, in cases to which such a scheme applies, at rates which are not in excess of the levels or, as the case may be, the maximum levels set by the scheme, and

(c) otherwise to comply with the requirements of every such scheme,

if and to the extent that the franchised services are services, or services of a class or description, in relation to which the approved discount fare scheme in question applies.

(4) The discount fare schemes which are to be regarded [F44 , in relation to a franchise agreement,] for the purposes of this section as “approved” are those which are from time to time approved for the purposes of this section by the [F45 appropriate franchising authority] .

(5) In this section—

• “discount fare scheme” means any scheme for enabling persons who are young, elderly or disabled to travel by railway at discounted fares, subject to compliance with such conditions (if any) as may be imposed by or under the scheme;

• “discounted fare” means a lower fare than the standard fare for the journey in question;

• “scheme” includes any agreement or arrangements.

Textual Amendments

F42 Words in s. 28(2) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 18(1)(3); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F43 Words in s. 28(2) substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 18(2); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)(which S.I. was amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 2(2))

F44 Words in s. 28(4) inserted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 18(2)(a)(3); S.I. 2005/1909, art 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F45 Words in s. 28(4) substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 18(2)(b)(3); S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.

29 Other terms and conditions of franchise agreements. E+W+S

(1) The [F46 appropriate franchising authority] may enter into a franchise agreement on conditions requiring—

(a) the rendering to the Franchising Director by the franchisee or the franchise operator of payments of such amounts and at such intervals as may be specified in, or determined by or under, the franchise agreement; F47 . . .

F47 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) A franchise agreement may include provision requiring the franchisee—

(a) to operate any additional railway asset; or

(b) to secure the operation of any additional railway asset by the franchise operator or any other wholly owned subsidiary of the franchisee.

(3) A franchise agreement shall include provision specifying the franchise term and may include provision enabling that term to be extended by such further term as may be specified in the franchise agreement.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions relating to property, rights and liabilities that may be included in a franchise agreement, a franchise agreement may include provision requiring the franchise operator—

(a) to acquire from such person as may be specified in the franchise agreement, and to use, such property or rights as may be so specified; or

(b) to undertake such liabilities as may be so specified.

(5) Subject to any requirements imposed by or under this Act, a franchise agreement may contain any such provisions as the [F46 appropriate franchising authority] may think fit.

F48 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F48 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) In this Part, “additional railway asset” means any network, station or light maintenance depot, and any reference to an additional railway asset includes a reference to any part of an additional railway asset.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in s. 29 substituted (24.7.2005 for certain purposes and 16.10.2005 in so far as not already in force) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 1, 60, Sch. 1 para. 19; S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2005/2812, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F47 S. 29(1)(b) and word “or" immediately preceding it repealed (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274, Sch. 31 Pt. IV; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F48 S. 29(6)(7) repealed (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274 Sch. 31 Pt. IV; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 29 wholly in force at 1.4.1994; s. 29 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 154(2); s. 29(8) in force at 6.1.1994 by S.I. 1993/3237, art. 2(2); s. 29 in force at 1.4.1994 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 1994/571, art. 5

[F49 30 Duty of Authority in absence of franchise. E+W+S

(1) The Authority shall provide, or secure the provision of, services for the carriage of passengers by railway where—

(a) a direction not to seek to secure the provision of the services under a franchise agreement has been given to the Authority under section 26A or 26B above (and not revoked); or

(b) a franchise agreement in respect of the services is terminated or otherwise comes to an end but no further franchise agreement has been entered into in respect of the services (otherwise than because of such a direction).

(2) The duty in subsection (1) above in relation to any services ceases if the services begin (or again begin) to be provided under a franchise agreement.

(3) Subsection (1) above does not—

(a) require the Authority to provide or secure the provision of services if and to the extent that, in its opinion, adequate alternative railway passenger services are available;

(b) preclude it from giving notice under subsection (5) of section 38 below in relation to any of the services, in which case its duty under this section to secure the provision of the services to which the notice relates will (subject to subsections (5) and (6) of that section) terminate on the day specified in the notice in pursuance of paragraph (b) of that subsection; or

(c) preclude it from ceasing to provide or secure the provision of any of the services in any case falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (2) of that section.]

Textual Amendments

F49 S. 30 substituted (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 212(5) (with Sch. 28 para. 3); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to savings and transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

31 Leases granted in pursuance of franchise agreements: no security of tenure. E+W+S

(1) In any case where—

(a) a franchise agreement makes provision for the franchisee, the franchise operator or a wholly owned subsidiary of the franchisee to enter into an agreement (“the contemplated agreement") with a person who has an interest in a network or a railway facility,

(b) the network or railway facility is to be used for or in connection with the provision of any of the franchised services, and

(c) the contemplated agreement creates a tenancy of any property which (whether in whole or in part) constitutes, or is comprised in, the network or railway facility,

neither Part II of the M2 Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (security of tenure of business premises) nor the M3 Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949 (security of tenure of shop premises in Scotland) shall apply to that tenancy.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a person shall be regarded as having an interest in a network or railway facility if he has an estate or interest in, or right over, any of the property which constitutes, or is comprised in, the network or railway facility.

(3) Any reference in this section to a network or a railway facility includes a reference to any part of a network or railway facility.

(4) In this section—

• “agreement” includes a lease, underlease or sublease (as well as a tenancy agreement or an agreement for a lease, underlease or sublease);

• “tenancy” has the same meaning as it has in Part II of the M4 Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 or, in Scotland, as it has in the M5 Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949.

Marginal Citations

M2 1954 c. 56.

M3 1949 c. 25.

M4 1954 c. 56.

M5 1949 c. 25.