Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report.

The Committee considered a report setting out the proposed approach to WYCA’s response to the consultation being carried out by the Department for Transport (DfT) into the future East Midlands rail franchise (EM). 

Some locations in the East Midlands currently have poor connectivity to the Leeds City Region. Of the four “Hub Cities” of the East Midlands (Derby, Leicester, Lincoln and Nottingham), Leeds City Region has regular direct train services to only two. WYCA considers that there is an opportunity for new/extended EM services to address significant connectivity gaps, and therefore it is proposed that the CA should use this consultation to put forward strongly the case for addressing those gaps, both in WYCA’s own response and by helping to frame the response of Rail North.

WYCA officers have already met with the current operator (Stagecoach EMT) and with two competing bidders (Arriva and First Trenitalia) intend to consult with officers and councillors in the five West Yorkshire Districts and has already received input from various stakeholders such as rail user and business groups. This input will help inform the final consultation response.

The EM franchise is now to be re-let, with the new operator to take charge from August 2019. This implies that the Invitation To Tender will be issued to shortlisted bidders in April 2018, with bids to be returned by July 2018, ahead of the contract being awarded in Spring 2019. The consultation began on 20 July 2017 and ends on 11 October 2017.

Resolved:

(i)                 That the proposed approach to the EM consultation, as summarised in the submitted paper, be endorsed, and to delegate to the Chair and WYCA Managing Director to submit a corresponding response document after circulation to Transport Committee members.

(ii)               That WYCA officers continue to work with the three bidders shortlisted for the EM franchise, and with Rail North, to pursue positive outcomes for the Leeds City Region from the specification of the new franchise.