In subsection (1) F2..., for paragraph (a) (duty to investigate any matter which relates to the provision of railway passenger services by the Board or a subsidiary, under a franchise agreement or on behalf of the Franchising Director) substitute—

“(a)

to the provision of railway passenger services, or”.

After subsection (7) of section 76 insert—

“(7A)

It shall also be the duty of the Rail Passengers’ Council, so far as it appears expedient from time to time to do so—

(a)

to keep under review matters affecting the interests of the public in relation to railway passenger services and station services;

(b)

to make representations to, and consult, such persons as they think appropriate about those matters; and

(c)

to co-operate with other bodies representing the interests of users of public passenger transport services.

(7B)

The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Rail Passengers’ Council, make an order excluding services from the duties imposed by this section; and an order under this subsection—

(a)

may exclude services of a particular class or description, particular services or services provided by a particular person;

(b)

may provide that services are excluded subject to compliance with specified conditions; and

(c)

may not revoke an exclusion except for breach of condition or in accordance with the order which made it.

(7C)

The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Rail Passengers’ Council, make an order providing that the duties imposed by this section apply to services of a particular class or description, particular services or services provided by a particular person—

(a)

only to such extent as is specified by the order; or

(b)

with such modifications as are so specified.”