Agenda item

(Member lead: Cllr J Blake, Director: Dave Pearson)

Resolved:

(a)       That the update on the impact on passengers of the May 2018 rail timetable change be noted.

(b)       That Councillor Blake, as the Combined Authority’s representative on the Transport for the North Rail North Committee, raises the concerns about the impact of prolonged rail disruption and urges further action to restore rail performance to the level required by the respective franchises.

(c)        That the establishment of a West Yorkshire Combined Authority Rail Forum be endorsed.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Transport Services which:

·         Provided an update on the performance of local rail services following discussion at the last meeting which was attended by Network Rail and train operators Northern and TransPennine Express.

·         Advised Members of progress with the reviews into rail performance and governance following the issues emerging in May 2018.

·         Advised Member of arrangements proposed to improve engagement between the Combined Authority and the rail industry.

Members were extremely concerned that services were still failing to operate at an acceptable level and passengers and the local economy continued to be severely affected.  It was reported that over-crowding on “short formed” services (ie. with fewer carriages than required) was also having a massive impact on passengers and the effect on consumer confidence was highlighted.  Members were disappointed that although there was a compensation scheme for passengers, not enough people were making claims and considered that the rail operators should do more to publicise the scheme.  The poor performance was also impacting on businesses and it was understood that work was being undertaken to develop business compensation packages. 

Members discussed the temporary Government appointment of Richard George who would be working closely with TfN, the Rail North Partnership, Network Rail and train operators and it was suggested that he be invited to meet with the Combined Authority.

As the Combined Authority’s representative, Councillor Blake agreed to raise the Combined Authority’s serious concerns at the Transport for the North Rail North Committee.  She assured Members that the voice of the City Region would be strongly and firmly heard at both the TfN Rail North Committee and nationally.  Members suggested that representatives of the rail industry be invited to the February meeting of the Combined Authority.

In respect of rail governance reviews, it was reported that the Combined Authority’s response to the Rail North (Blake Johnson) Review had been submitted and the Review was expected to report its findings in December 2018.  Members were also advised that the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had published its interim findings into the national timetable disruption and the Secretary of State has launched a major review of the UK rail industry and Roger Marsh is to be part of the report panel for this review.  A summary of the preliminary findings was outlined in the submitted report. 

It was reported that the Chair of the Transport Committee is to establish a joint forum to enable the Combined Authority Members, train operators, Network Rail, Transport for the North and other key bodies to discuss plans and issues affecting local rail services.  In welcoming the establishment of the Rail Forum, Members discussed the Terms of Reference which were attached at Appendix 1 and their comments and suggestions in respect of membership would be brought to the attention of the Chair of the Transport Committee.

Resolved:

(a)       That the update on the impact on passengers of the May 2018 rail timetable change be noted.

(b)       That Councillor Blake, as the Combined Authority’s representative on the Transport for the North Rail North Committee, raises the concerns about the impact of prolonged rail disruption and urges further action to restore rail performance to the level required by the respective franchises.

(c)        That the establishment of a West Yorkshire Combined Authority Rail Forum be endorsed and the comments regarding membership be brought to the attention of the Chair of the Transport Committee.