Agenda item

The Transport Committee was presented with a report that introduced a presentation from David Hoggarth, Strategic Rail Director Transport for the North.

The Northern and Trans Pennine rail franchise which commenced in April 2016 are managed in the North by a partnership between Department for Transport and Transport for the North.

At its meeting on 25 May, the Committee discussed the changes to services and timetables which were introduced on 20 May and the performance Issues which had arisen following the introduction of the timetable and the consequential impact on passengers across the North.

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David Hoggarth, Strategic Rail Director, Transport for the North was invited to give a presentation to inform members of the Partnership and provide an update on recent events and next steps.

The slides covered the Strategic Transport Plan, the Rail North Partnership, Franchise Transformation, Rail Service Improvements, May 2018 Timetable, Immediate Actions, Current Performance, TfN Short Term Priorities, Long Term Rail Strategy and Service Development.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session as the Committee was keen to discuss the impact of the recent timetable changes and voiced their concerns about events leading up to May 18 which included:

·         The failure of Network Rail to complete electrification projects in the North West.

·         Not enough diesel trains available for other lines.

·         Responsibility for the May 2018 changes and that this was ultimately at the national level.

·         Insufficient time to train drivers on other trains/routes.

·         Issues with management of new timetable at Leeds station causing regional disruption

·         Compensation for passengers affected.

Members said that the public should be at the centre of any plans and resolutions as they were being asked on a daily basis for answers and assurances that this situation would not happen again. Members asked questions on the series of events leading up to the failure of the timetable changes and why this was allowed to happen, on driver numbers and training, compensation and the lack of communication to passengers as to why trains were cancelled.  A question was asked about the freight market and how this would be affected.  As well as the issues in delivering the timetables, questions were also raised about the timetable itself and whether it provided the right services in the first place.

David Hoggarth said that the immediate actions were to implement an interim timetable for Northern from 4 June and that 165 services in the North West were to be cancelled each day on a planned basis, accelerated driver training on routes and trains to be completed by 29 July and TfN were working with Network Rail to resolve the issues at Leeds.  There will be close monitoring by the Rail North Partnership Team and information will be shared with TfN members.

A question was also asked about the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade.  David Hoggarth said that Government was reviewing a number of different options.  TfN will provide input into the decision making process in September.  The ultimate decision is with the Secretary of State.

Resolved:

(a)       That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.

(b)       That Members’ questions following the presentation be noted.

(c)        That TFN supply a written response to issues upon which Mr Hoggarth promised further information.

(d)       That Network Rail and Train Operators be invited to subsequent meetings of the Committee to update on plans and arrangements for rail service changes.