Agenda item

Resolved: That the updates provided on the Passenger Experience in West Yorkshire provided in this report be noted.

Members received a report providing a quarterly update on the performance of the transport network in West Yorkshire, including an update on the Combined Authority’s passenger facing activity.

Officers noted that bus and rail performance seems to have levelled out at a rate lower than it was before the pandemic. Service punctuality remains roughly stable, and operators are still reporting some staff shortages affecting performance, as well as congestion. The bus service recovery funding granted to operators by the central government has been extended until the end of June 2023, though unless there are alternative arrangements announced in the Spring budget on 15 March 2023 it is feared that the funding will only delay the need for further cuts. First Bus and other operators have already declared reductions in their timetables, and there is insufficient Combined Authority funding to cover every lost service.

Members noted the majority of service reductions affect Leeds and have a high impact on communities, since routes directly to and from the city centre are being preferred over routes between communities. Members queried if affected communities should be made aware of impending service cuts and the need to use their existing services so they are not cut in the future. Members noted that the earliest buses from some communities are operating too late for commuters to arrive at work on time, but operators have reported their staff numbers have recovered to support more services. Members expressed some sympathy for operators who have been forced to act with little forward planning from the government, and urged for longer term assurance to provide some certainty. The Chair noted that herself and the Mayor continue to engage with the government to express the needs of the region.

Members noted that the poor coordination of rail services is having a detrimental impact on passengers by cutting services and not re-introducing others as planned, leaving some services to be covered by a replacement bus. Members questioned the efficacy of the Rail North Partnership and Network Rail in resolving the issues, and noted that previous government proposals such as Great British Railways seem to have disappeared with no alternative. The Chair responded that Cllr Kaushik is aware of the ongoing rail issues and has met with TransPennine and Rail North, and the Mayor has met with the Secretary of State to further push for a resolution.

Officers noted that the underlying theme between the operators is the cost of running services, and urged that the region should not be disadvantaged as a result. Bus reliability can still improve, and congestion issues should also ease. The bus operators have already signalled what they will need to do if the recovery funding ends, which gives the Combined Authority some time to consider how the impact can be mitigated.

Members queried if there has been any feedback regarding the improved passenger experience at renovated rail stations, officers agreed that feedback can be provided at a future meeting.

Members requested greater visibility of us information at rail stations, which would improve the experience of commuters who travel multi-modally. Officers noted the available information is taken into consideration and there are improvements to make, especially where bus services are far or have been moved away from rail stations.

Resolved: That the updates provided on the Passenger Experience in West Yorkshire provided in this report be noted.