Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room A, Wellington House, 40-50 Wellington Street, Leeds

Items
No. Item

51.

Chair's Comments

Minutes:

The Committee observed a one minute silence in memory of Councillor Ian Greenwood.

52.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

No apologies for absence were received.

53.

Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests

Minutes:

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared by Members at the meeting.

54.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

Minutes:

Resolved: Further to minute 36, City Connect Cycle Ambition Programme (CCAG) it was agreed that the issue raised by Councillors Bolt and Buckley would be discussed following the close of the meeting.

 

There were no items requiring the exclusion of the press and public.

55.

Minutes

55a

Minutes of the meeting of the Transport Committee held on 21 September 2018 pdf icon PDF 143 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:     That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 21 September 2018 be approved and signed by the Chair.

55b

Minutes of the Meeting of the Transport Committee held on 9 November 2018 pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:     That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 9 November 2018 be approved and signed by the Chair.

56.

Bus Alliance pdf icon PDF 110 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the Committee endorse the commitments proposed for the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance as set out in the report.

 

(ii)       That a further report be presented to the Committee in March 2019 detailing the targets, key performance indicators and delivery plan together with the outline terms of a Voluntary Partnership agreement.

 

(iii)      That, to ensure momentum is maintained from a transition from Bus18 into the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance, progress against delivery of the commitments and adoption of the governance arrangements progresses ahead of finalising the formal Voluntary Partnership agreement.

Minutes:

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on the proposed West Yorkshire Bus Alliance and the proposed commitments that will be deliverable as part of the Alliance.

 

It was noted that there are three key themes to the Alliance which are:

 

·         Customers at the Heart

·         Keeping Buses Moving

·         A Sustainable Bus Network

 

Representatives from Arriva, First and Transdev were in attendance at the meeting and they shared their support for the proposed Alliance.

 

First Bus stated that they fully supported the commitments made, particularly in relation to the improvements for customers and for stronger engagement. They recognised that there was more to do to build on the progress already made by Bus18. Key areas they highlighted to the Committee were congestion, air quality, ticketing, staff training and development.

 

Transdev would focus on continuing to build on the initiatives offered to young people and the success of the Myday ticket uptake which currently stood at 56%.

 

Arriva advised that the Alliance also had their full support, again in building on the positive achievements of Bus18. They informed the Committee of a planned package of improvements which included a desire to grow the bus network, in consultation with customers and drivers.

 

The operators concurred that congestion is, for them, the number one issue and they welcomed the Alliance addressing this as it would allow them to be able to re-direct investment elsewhere to improve services.

 

Members agreed that the work to date was a good start to the proposed Alliance and, in welcoming the investment made by the operators to date, reiterated that transport was vital for the region and its growing economy. It was agreed that customers should be the main focus and that the importance of communication in relation to improvements, KPIs and delivery was essential.

 

It was also noted in relation to the delivery plan that:

 

·         The highway infrastructure needed to meet public transport needs to increase patronage of buses.

·         New routes needed to be developed.

·         Strategic corridor improvement works were being carried out.

·         The infrastructure required improvement and the need for long term funding was recognised at a recent National Infrastructure Commission meeting.

·         A network review is also currently taking place.

·         More bus shelters in strategic areas may increase patronage.

 

Members were provided with an update in response to concerns about the accuracy of the real time information system. It was also noted that audio-visual (AV) next stop announcements had been introduced on the new buses provided by First in Leeds serving the Headingley corridor. This system was currently under trial and will be “switched on “ fully shortly after new buses are introduced onto the Dewsbury Road corridor.

 

The Committee was also informed that it is proposed to have a Steering Group to oversee the Alliance. This will be composed of the Chair of Transport Committee, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and local authority officers together with senior representatives of bus operators. Update reports will be provided at future meetings of the Committee.

 

The Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

57.

Digital Payment for Travel Strategy pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the Committee supports the key objectives within the Digital Payment for Travel Strategy as summarised in Section 4 of the submitted report.

 

(ii)       That the Committee endorses the next steps set out in Section 5 of the review and that the Strategy be kept under continued development with an updated Strategy to be presented to the Committee in late 2019/20.

Minutes:

The Transport Committee considered a report on the Digital Payment for Travel draft strategy.

 

The Committee discussed the draft strategy which was attached at Appendix 1 and noted the four key objectives to help achieve patronage targets.

 

It was reported that the focus was on increasing the ways in which customers pay for travel especially in relation to contactless payments and mobile applications, but not at the removal of cash payments. The report set out the next steps for 2019/20 together with projects to be delivered within the next 3-5 years.

 

Members discussed the targets set out in the draft strategy and were concerned that there has already been a slight decline in bus patronage. Members also noted a decline in senior concessionary pass renewals which was due to changes to the age of eligibility and as these are not automatically renewed after the 5 year expiry, some people choosing not to renew. It was suggested that the targets set out in the strategy be subject to 6 monthly monitoring.

 

There was discussion on cross-boundary ticketing and it was reported that options continued to be investigated but would need to be financially viable. It was noted that, whilst most Mcard products cover the West Yorkshire area, it was possible to buy a rail only MCard which extends to Harrogate or Skipton.

 

The Committee endorsed the next steps and progress would be reported to future meetings.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the key objectives within the Digital Payment for Travel Strategy as summarised in Section 4 of the submitted report be supported.

 

(ii)       That the next steps set out in Section 5 of the review be endorsed and that the Strategy be kept under continued development with an updated Strategy to be presented to the Committee in late 2019/20.

58.

Rail: Service Performance and Timetable Changes in 2019 pdf icon PDF 134 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the Committee notes that the performance of the railway in West Yorkshire up to and including the end of Period 9 (8 December 2018) continues to be unsatisfactory and endorses the approach taken with the rail industry to address passenger concerns.

 

(ii)       That the Committee recommends that, in planning the December 2019 rail timetable, the Transport for the North Rail North Committee seeks to ensure the day to day delivery of a reliable service providing capacity where it is most needed.

 

(iii)      That if specified service enhancements, to which the industry has previously committed, are to be delayed beyond December 2019, The Transport for the North Rail North Committee is encouraged to seek a clear rail industry plan and timescale to provide them.

 

(iv)      That the Committee endorses the Combined Authority’s response to the TransPennine Express December 2019 timetable consultation, as attached at Appendix 2 to the submitted report.

 

(v)       That the Secretary of State for Transport along with senior representatives of Network Rail, Transport for the North and train operators be invited to a meeting of the Transport Committee.

Minutes:

The Transport Committee was provided with an update on the latest rail performance position.

 

Members discussed the performance data attached at Appendix 1 and the update provided in the report which also set out the issues affecting the delivery of the timetable changes planned for December 2019. It was noted that:

 

·         Service enhancements will be delayed beyond 2020.

·         Some enhancements are awaiting works to improve Leeds station platform capacity.

·         The extension of Calder Valley services beyond Manchester requires works to create additional capacity in Manchester itself.

·         It is a priority that any timetable changes do not cause the disruption to services experienced following the May 2018 changes.

·         It is strongly recommended that all of the promised enhancements have a clear plan from the rail industry.

·         Members requested clearer visibility of plans to introduce new rolling stock and cascaded trains to address overcrowding.

 

The Committee stressed that the service improvements promised in the Northern and TransPennine franchises were essential to the region’s economy and the continued disruption to rail services, particularly over the festive period, had significantly inconvenienced the travelling public and impacted on businesses.  Graham Meiklejohn from Transpennine Express was invited to the table by the Chair to give a verbal update. He informed that performance had improved, specifically regarding stability and increased turnaround times.

 

It was acknowledged there were ongoing issues with the Manchester network that are affecting performance and limiting scope for enhanced services, Transport for the North and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will discuss the implications of these matters for delivery of the December 2019 timetable during February 2019 and updates will be provided to the Committee.

 

It was noted that Transpennine Express had consulted on the December 2019 service changes and the Committee endorsed the proposed response which was attached at Appendix two.

 

Members expressed deep concerns regarding the disappointing performance and delays to providing the promised service enhancements. It was felt that the North of England was being treated with contempt by Government and that more investment was needed.

 

It was agreed that the Secretary of State for Transport and senior representatives for Transport for the North, Network Rail and rail operators be invited to a meeting of the Transport Committee to explain how the Government intended to restore passenger confidence in the railway.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the Committee notes that the performance of the railway in West Yorkshire up to and including the end of Period 9 (8 December 2018) continues to be noted as unsatisfactory and the approach taken with the rail industry to address passenger concerns.

 

(ii)       That the Committee recommends that, in planning the December 2019 rail timetable, the Transport for the North Rail North Committee seeks to ensure the day to day delivery of a reliable service providing capacity where it is most needed.

 

(iii)      That if specified service enhancements, to which the industry has previously committed, are to be delayed beyond December 2019, The Transport for the North Rail North Committee is encouraged to seek a clear rail  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

59.

Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans pdf icon PDF 134 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Transport Committee endorse the proposed approach to Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans development, where the current phase of work is treated as an initial phase of work, to be built on or replicated in further phases, and that further resources be identified to deliver these further phases of work.

Minutes:

Councillor Groves left the room and Councillor Firth took the Chair.

 

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided an update on the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) and the proposed phased approach to the development of these plans.

 

It was noted that National and European experts are helping to develop the plans to improve conditions for people travelling by bike or on foot at key locations across the region. It is aimed to encourage more people to cycle or walk, in conjunction with existing projects such as the CityConnect programme, Transport Fund and Connecting Leeds.

 

Members discussed the need to have discussions with the districts on the approach to be taken in the development of the plans. It was reported that a meeting of a walking and cycling member group would be held in the near future.

 

Members welcomed the consultation that had taken place on the development of the plans but were concerned that not enough had taken place with local stakeholders and that not all geographical areas had been identified that would benefit from the plans. The need to seek input from people who use different modes of transport was considered important and it was suggested that local cycling and walking groups be invited to participate in future discussions and the District Consultation Sub-Committees be made aware of the work.

 

Councillor Groves returned to the room and re-took the Chair.

 

Resolved: That the proposed approach to Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans development, where the current phase of work is treated as an initial phase of work, to be built on or replicated in further phases be endorsed, and that further resources be identified to deliver these further phases of work.

60.

Bus Service Matters Referred from District Consultation Sub-Committees pdf icon PDF 108 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Transport Committee considered a report on the following matters relating to bus services which had been referred from the Wakefield and Bradford District Consultation Sub-Committees:

 

·         Front Street, Castleford.

·         Lister Park and West Bowling, Bradford.

 

In respect of Castleford, Councillors raised concerns that although residents had access to a bus service to Leeds and Pontefract they had no bus service into their nearest town centre Castleford. Whilst deeply regretting the situation, the Committee could not fund an additional service but asked officers to continue to work with bus operators and the Council to identify opportunities to address the situation.

 

Arriva informed the Committee that they would be reviewing the Castleford network in September 2019 and agreed there was a requirement to work on their partnerships with the local communities.

 

Recent bus service changes have reduced the frequency of bus services to Bradford City Centre from Lister Park and West Bowling to hourly; residents were seeking a restoration of a half hourly service. It was also noted that the West Bowling area was deemed an Inclusive Growth area whereby transport services to vulnerable and elderly residents were essential.

 

The Committee was informed that increasing the frequency of commercial services would not meet the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s guidelines. However, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will continue to work with bus operators and the relevant communities to look at any possible solutions.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)        That the representations submitted to the Wakefield District Consultation Sub-Committee regarding bus services to Park Road Castleford be noted.

 

(ii)       That the Director, Transport Services advises the petitioners that the Combined Authority is unable to provide an additional bus service in the Castleford area for the reasons described in the report.

 

(iii)      That the representations submitted to the Bradford District Consultation Sub-Committee regarding bus services in the Lister Park and West Bowling areas be noted.

 

(iv)      That the Director, Transport Services advises the petitioners that the Combined Authority is unable to increase the frequency of services in the Lister Park and West Bowling areas for the reasons described in the report.

61.

Governance Arrangements pdf icon PDF 108 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Transport Committee considered a report on the delegation of routine operational issues relating to land, to the Managing Director.

 

Resolved:     That authority be delegated to the Managing Director as set out in Appendix 1 to the report (incorporating those delegations previously made by the Transport Committee).

62.

Leeds City Region Transport Update pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Minutes:

The Transport Committee was provided with updates on the following issues as set out in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.28 of the submitted report:

 

·         Leeds City Region Connectivity Strategy Consultation

·         Application to the EU North Sea Region Interreg Programme

·         Transport Research Innovation Fund (TRIF) – Tranche 2 Research Projects

·         Williams Rail Review – Call for Evidence

·         Rail North Partnership Review

·         Train Operators Forum

·         Leeds Station works

·         New Trains in 2019

·         Estimates of Station Usage 2017-18

·         Service Delivery

·         Car Club contract extension

 

Members requested an update on progress with the TransPennine Route Upgrade and were advised firm proposals were still awaited from the Department for Transport.

 

Resolved:     That the updates provided in the report be noted.

63.

Summary of Transport Schemes pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Minutes:

The Transport Committee considered a report which provided information on the transport related West Yorkshire and York Investment Committee (the Investment Committee) recommendations arising out of its meetings held on 7 November 2018 and 5 December 2018.

 

The following projects had been considered at the 7 November 2018 meeting:

 

·         A61S Bus Priority Corridor

·         Stourton Park and Ride

·         Elland Road Park and Ride Phase 3

·         A650 Bradford to Keighley Corridor (Hard Ings)

·         York Outer Ring Road Phase 2 (Monks Cross)

 

The following projects had been considered at the 5 December 2018 meeting:

 

·         Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 1 – Leeds- Dyneley Arms

·         Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 1 – Leeds- Dawsons Corner

·         Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 1 – Leeds- Fink Hill

·         Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 1 – A650 Newton Bar

 

The recommendations for the above projects had been approved at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Meeting on 13 December 2018 or delegated to approval to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

 

Members asked if electric charging points were available at the park and ride services and it was confirmed that they are available at both current sites and charging facilities will be incorporated into future sites including at Stourton.

 

Resolved:     That the report be noted.

64.

HS2 Consultation pdf icon PDF 118 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Transport Committee was provided with an update on the recent HS2 consultations on their working draft Environmental Statement and working draft Equalities Impact Assessment Report.

 

Members asked that consideration be given to the South Kirklees link to the Sheffield Hub.

 

Resolved:     That the members note and endorse the final responses in Appendix 1.

65.

Leeds City Region Infrastructure Map pdf icon PDF 112 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Transport Committee was provided with an update on development and launch of the Leeds City Region Infrastructure Map.

 

It was noted that the map was a useful tool to help plan and align infrastructure investments. It is publically available on line so can be used by the districts. The map can be added to and data included as it has been built in-house so feedback can be taken on board and incorporated.

 

A recent Combined Authority response to a local planning application was raised by Councillor Bolt as an example of where he felt the Combined Authority should have taken a more robust approach in opposing the development based on its impact on a potential cycling route. This is a topic that could be discussed at the cycling and walking subgroup.

 

Members noted that the Infrastructure Map could assist West Yorkshire Flood Partnership in identifying areas where flood defence investment could be allocated and could support proposals to Government. The Chair agreed to speak with Councillor Hinchcliffe about the work of the Flood Partnership and links to Transport. All members have been sent a link to access the Infrastructure Map.

 

A short demonstration of the LCR Infrastructure Map was provided to Members who wished to stay after the meeting.

 

Resolved:     That the contents of the report be noted.

66.

Draft Minutes of the District Consultation Sub-Committees held on

66a

Leeds - 22 October 2018 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Leeds District sub-committee held on 22 October 2018 be approved.

66b

Kirklees - 24 October 2018 pdf icon PDF 128 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Kirklees District sub-committee held on 24 October 2018 be approved.

66c

Bradford - 29 October 2018 pdf icon PDF 149 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Bradford District sub-committee held on 29 October 2018 be approved.

66d

Calderdale - 30 October 2018 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Calderdale District sub-committee held on 30 October 2018 be approved.

66e

Wakefield - 1 November 2018 pdf icon PDF 128 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Wakefield District sub-committee held on 1 November 2018 be approved.