Written questions by Gordon.

Whether she has considered the potential merits of including the York Area Capacity Scheme works in the TransPennine Route Upgrade.

A decision to pause activity on the York Area Capacity and Performance Project was taken at the Spending Review. The decision was only taken after appropriate consideration of the project’s benefits and its interdependencies with other programmes of activity. Work is now underway with Network Rail and industry colleagues to develop a sustainable long-term strategy for the area.There are currently no plans to include this paused scheme as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade Programme.

What assessment has been made of the impact of the train capacity through York train station as a result of the TransPennine Route Upgrade on the level of timeliness at Skelton Junction.

Train capacity through York Station is the subject of the York Area Capacity and Performance Project which was paused at the Spending Review. The scope of the TransPennine Route Upgrade Programme excludes York Station itself. Network Rail are undertaking further timetabling analysis and modelling as part of continuing train planning activity including in the Skelton Junction area.

Whether an impact assessment was made before the suspension of the York Area Capacity Scheme.

The decision taken at the Spending Review to pause activity on the York Area Capacity and Performance project taken after appropriate consideration of the project’s benefits and its interdependencies with other programmes of activity. Work is now underway with Network Rail and industry colleagues to develop a sustainable long-term strategy for the area.

What assessment her Department made of the potential impacts of removing the ability for driving instructors to book driving tests on behalf of learners on test availability.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country.The measures the Secretary of State for Transport announced on 12 November are designed to make the practical driving test booking process fairer, providing all learners with equal access to the booking system and ensuring that everyone pays the prescribed fee. The decision follows a call for evidence and a public consultation that sought views from the driver training industry, learner drivers and other interested parties. In reaching this decision, impacts were fully considered. Further detail on the rationale, which will set out the detailed analysis, will be provided in the consultation report which will be published in due course.

If she will make it her policy to start building a third track between York and Skelton Junction during this Parliament.

The Department has worked extensively with Network Rail and stakeholders on development and design of a scheme to deliver a third line between York North Throat and Skelton Junction. As the broader strategic benefits of the project would only be realised as part of a wider package of investment on the East Coast Main Line, the decision was taken at the Spending Review to pause the project until a long-term strategy for the route can be developed further. The scheme will remain under review to ensure it can be delivered in the most effective way as part of a holistic strategy of investment.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the bus fare cap increase on passenger numbers.

The government is investing over £150 million to deliver the new £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London from 1 January until 31 December 2025 to help keep bus fares affordable, and as part of the Spending Review, we announced further funding to extend the £3 cap to March 2027. Under the plans of the previous administration, the £2 cap on bus fares had been due to expire on 31 December 2024, and prior to the Budget, there was no further funding available to maintain a cap on bus fares beyond this point. The final monitoring and evaluation report into the impact of the £2 bus fare cap was published on 12 February. An evaluation of the £3 fare cap is due to be commissioned shortly.

If she will make it her policy to ensure bus fares do not increase above the rate of inflation following the bus fare cap increase.

On 1 January, the government introduced a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London until 31 December 2025. As part of the Spending Review, the government announced further funding to extend the £3 cap to March 2027. This will ensure millions of people can continue to access affordable bus fares and better opportunities all over the country. The current terms and conditions for the £3 cap already require operators to demonstrate that they have not raised fares any higher than inflation.

If her Department would make an estimate of the cost of extending the statutory minimum criteria to allow disabled bus pass holders to use their passes at all times on weekdays.

The Department for Transport conducted a review of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme which considered expanding statutory travel times for all passholders. We are currently considering next steps.

If her Department would make an estimate of the cost of requiring all local government authorities to provide a companion pass for disabled pass holders who cannot travel alone.

The introduction of companion passes for disabled passholders under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme would be an additional concession, introduced at the discretion of local authorities depending on their needs and circumstances. The Department for Transport therefore has no plans to produce an estimate of implementing this at a national level.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 22818 on Large Goods Vehicles: Concrete, what her Department's timetable is for publishing the findings from the call to evidence on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers.

The Department will publish its findings shortly.

What steps her Department is taking to help improve the availability of wi-fi on the rail network.

I have asked my officials to explore the feasibility of a range of technology options to improve passenger connectivity on the rail network. The Department is also measuring the strength of mobile signals along the rail network to fully understand where interventions are needed.