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<p>The Franchise Agreement specifies the minimum requirements for train operators
to conduct public consultations on significant alterations to train services (which
can be additions or reductions). These are usually aligned to timetable change dates
in May and December each year and are associated with major changes to the Timetable,
with length of consultation related to the nature of the complexity of any proposed
changes. Major proposed changes to the permanent train service specification (and
associated timetable) require longer periods for consultation with stakeholders (usually
at least 12 weeks) and must include bodies statutorily defined within the Railways
Act 2005, such as Transport Focus.</p><p> </p><p>Temporary, short-term changes to
the timetable, due to restrictions of use imposed by the need of Network Rail to undertake
engineering work (planned and unplanned) to the rail network, are not subject to consultation
requirements. However, the Franchise Agreement specifies requirements upon train operating
companies to advise passengers of amended timetable information well in advance to
enable them to plan their journeys accordingly.</p>
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