Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Neil Buckley, Christine Towler and Keith Wakefield and public representatives Kat Handy, Hazel Lee, Clare Mason, Brittany Stead and Clive Woods.

Copy Attached.

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2017 be approved.

This will be a presentation provided by a representative from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Committee was presented with an overview of how the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is funded and the transport functions and services it provides. Members were also provided with an overview of how the District Consultation Sub-Committees (DCSCS) fit into WYCA’s governance structure.

To consider the attached report.

Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme

It was reported that Leeds City Council and WYCA have approved a £270.5m package of improvements to public transport in Leeds, including £173.5m of government funding along with investment from bus operators in new vehicles.

Park and Ride

The Committee was informed that both Elland Road and Temple Green Park and Rides are performing well and the hours of operation have been extended and a Sunday operation introduced.

Following the success of the Elland Road and Temple Green schemes,  it was reported that a new Park and Ride is planned at Stourton and expected to open in winter 2019.

MCard

It was reported that an app has been launched for android phones, which enables MCard users to buy and load tickets directly to their MCard from their phone. A ticket machine was also installed in Leeds Bus Station in April 2017, which allows passengers to buy tickets when the station is open.

Leeds Integrated Masterplan (LISM)

It was reported that initial development work to create a blueprint for the redevelopment of Leeds rail station into the ‘Yorkshire hub’ has started. The Yorkshire hub aims to incorporate high speed rail services from HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail with national, regional and local transport services.

TransPennine Route Upgrade

It was reported that Network Rail are currently working on the development of potential infrastructure options for the TransPennine Route Upgrade and will submit these options to the Department for Transport for consideration in December 2017,  with a decision expected in spring 2018.

CityConnect

The Committee was informed that work on the second phase of the CityConnect cycle superhighway project is due to commence in late October 2017. The second phase will include an extension of the superhighway in order to improve routes into the city centre from the east and west.

Clean Air

It was reported that Leeds City Council was named in the ‘UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations’ report, which was published by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in July 2017.

This will provide the opportunity for questions to be raised from the floor with a focus on matters of wider interest.

Condition of Trains

Michael Leighton raised concerns regarding the condition of some trains currently running in West Yorkshire.

Pete Myers informed the Committee that all of the current rolling stock is due to be fully refurbished to a high standard in the coming years, with the exception of the Pacer units, which are due to be withdrawn by the end of 2019 and replaced with new trains.

Frequency of Train Services

Charlotte Davenport asked if any plans were in place to increase the frequency of services that run along the Burley Park line at peak times, as the current frequency of the service is not enough to satisfy demand.

Pete Myers informed the Committee that an additional service will run along that line as part of the May 2018 timetable changes, but will not stop at the Burley park station. However, it is anticipated that the extra service will ease the capacity issues on the line. Low Moor and Kirkstall Forge stations will also see an improved frequency of services from May 2018.

New Roads

Peter Dixon asked whether WYCA had any funding for building and developing new roads.

Dave Pearson informed the Committee that in order for funding to be available for the construction of a new road, it would have to meet criteria that would unlock the potential for economic growth in the area.

Roundhay Train Station

Brannoc Stevenson asked whether any feasibility work had taken place for a train station to be built in Roundhay, in order to capitalise on the popularity of Roundhay Park.

Dave Pearson informed the Committee that no plans were currently in place for a train station in Roundhay and that it is currently served by a high frequency bus service.

Contactless Payments on Buses

John Birkby asked what the timescale was for the implementation of contactless payments on buses.

Dave Pearson informed the Committee that the technology is currently in development and expected to be launched on buses in 2018.

Discounted Ticket Fares for Events

Robert Greenland suggested that bus operators should consider offering discounted bus tickets when major events such as Light Night are happening in the city, in order to encourage people to travel into the city centre via bus and participate in the occasion.

Will Pearson noted the suggestion and will discuss the idea with the new Commercial Director at First.