Agenda item

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.

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 industry plan and timescale to provide them.

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

(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.