Minutes:
The Sub-Committee was provided with updates from the bus and rail operators.
Arriva updated the Sub-Committee on network changes due to take place on 23 and 24 February in the Bradford area. A new 268 timetable would improve punctuality and journey stability. Consultation had taken place with stakeholders and customers on the Dewsbury to Bradford route and this was to be withdrawn as the route was covered by other buses.
The Sub-Committee was informed that there would be a service to Mirfield Grammar School running in both directions at school times. It was also acknowledged that there is a need for a Bradford to Mirfield service for Mirfield Grammar and that this is being looked at.
Members commented that there is no direct Leeds to Mirfield service but were informed that there are other services which cover this route.
Northern updated the Sub-Committee that the long running dispute of 2years was now over and officially suspended with normal Saturday service being resumed from next week.
Performance has improved to 85% in terms of reliability due to the changes made in the December 2018 timetable, this also now means that other issues can be more easily identified. Further changes are planned in 2019:
· From May 2019 Huddersfield to Wakefield Kirkgate will now extend to Castleford and
· York to Preston will go on to Blackpool.
· December 2019 will see the introduction of Northern Connect across the Calder Valley with a link to Manchester Airport.
The Sub-Committee was informed that new trains are now in the UK and are being tested. The first electric service will be Doncaster to Leeds in May 2019 and at the same time the new diesel and electric trains will be phased in to be mainly out by December 2019. The on-going refurbishment of trains will be completed by the end of the year with Pacers gone by then.
Northern are also working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority regards the new Elland Station and the car park extensions planned in the Calder Valley.
Members asked the following questions:
· Are there plans to extend the length of platforms to accommodate the longer trains? It was confirmed that there were some plans to extend some platforms but others could not be extended, however the new trains would adapt to this and only open appropriate doors at stations and making this clear to passengers.
· Are there plans to increase parking facilities at Cross Flatts Station? Facilities are inadequate and resulting in a number of cars parking on the road side. Northern confirmed that there will be a small extension to the station car park and acknowledged that there is a very high demand for car parking at a number of stations at present.
· Will there be provision for bicycles on the new trains? It was confirmed that there will be a larger area provided on the new trains and 2 or more will be allowed to be carried on. There is no need for advanced booking on Northern trains.
· Will more trains be stopping at Low Moor Station? Currently there are no plans to increase trains but Northern are aware of requests for trains to go to Manchester.
It was announced that the Manchester, Bolton to Preston line was electrified from today and the news was welcomed by all present.
First had provided the Sub-Committee with a note for information. They referred to the service changes announced in the last meeting and the subsequent feedback received. In response to this First confirmed that they have added additional morning services. This was welcomed by the Sub-Committee.
Transdev gave their apologies that no one attended the last meeting. They confirmed they are liaising on the A650/ Manningham Lane proposals.
The Combined Authority confirmed that the petition for the Keighley to Halifax service had been received by the Transport Committee, where it was accepted that there was a strategic case but unfortunately there was no funding available. The service did go out to tender for prices but currently there is no budget available. It was noted that there is now a Saturday service being ran by one operator.
Finally, the Sub-Committee was informed that the contracts for Airport Services –Airedale and Whafedale were up for renewal in October 2019.
Resolved: That the train and bus operators’ updates be noted.