Member

I turn to the proposal for a passenger charter. Although we support the intention of improving the passenger experience, our view is that a statutory passenger charter is unlikely to be the best mechanism to achieve it. It is unclear how a charter would work in practice. A charter in primary legislation risks becoming either overly broad and unenforceable or prescriptive and inflexible. Where reform is needed, it is our view that it is better delivered through targeted evidence-based regulation under Clause 1. Secondly, many of the areas referenced in the amendment are already covered by existing legislation or regulatory frameworks. There are established requirements relating to safety, accessibility and passenger rights, which can be strengthened via statutory instrument where necessary.