Looks like more commercial games between everyone. Where does the passenger / customer come?

Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has held with train leasing companies Angel Trains and Porterbrook; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom Harris: The Secretary of State for Transport has had no direct discussions with Angel Trains and Porterbrook recently. However, departmental officials have regular bi-laterals with the managing directors of both these companies and there is also engagement on a regular basis at a working level.

Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has ordered an inquiry into competition in train leasing.

Mr. Tom Harris: On 28 June 2006 the Department for Transport initiated steps for a market investigation by asking the Office of Rail Regulation to refer the passenger rolling stock leasing market to the Competition Commission under Section 131 of the Enterprise Act 2002. The timetable set out by the Office of Rail Regulation is to publish their conclusions by the end of November 2006.

Sir Richard Branson's plans to add 10 million seats to his train services on the flagship London-Glasgow route are in disarray after the company providing the extra coaches refused to press ahead with the deal (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/02/competition_inquiry_puts_extra.html#more

Angel Trains , part of the Royal Bank of Scotland , has pulled out of negotiations with Virgin Rail because rolling stock leasing companies (Roscos) are expected to be referred to the Competition Commission.

The leasing company has told ministers it will not spend about £180m buying the extra carriages if there is uncertainty about the rental it will be able to charge in future.