Where on a reference made toF1 the Council by any body or person or group of persons representing or appearing to represent a substantial number of users of any railway service provided by the railway undertaking,F1 the Council consider that that service is inadequate to meet the needs of persons who might be expected to use it, the railway undertaking shall consider any recommendation made byF1 the Council in connection with the reference and shall take such steps, if any, consistent with its duty under this Part as appear to the railway undertaking to be necessary or expedient to render the service adequate to meet the needs of persons expected to use it.

If, in the opinion ofF1 the Council, the railway undertaking has unreasonably failed to comply with any requirement under subsection (1) to render a service adequate to meet the needs of persons expected to use it,F1 the Council may refer the matter to the Minister.

On a reference to him under subsection (2) the Minister, after making such investigations as he may think fit, may give such direction as he thinks fit to the railway undertaking and the railway undertaking shall comply with that direction.