Agenda item

Resolved:    

(i)        That the Committee notes the progress being made on rail matters affecting West Yorkshire as presented in the report.

(ii)       That the Committee urged the Department of Transport and Network Rail to prioritise the technical capacity analysis needed to determine the rail network requirements in and around central Leeds necessary to bring clarity on the investment required to deliver committed service improvements and accommodate growth across the City Region.

(iii)      That the Committee endorsed the activity necessary to prioritise the importance of addressing rail network capacity in and around central Leeds for improved services across the Leeds City Region and beyond, and the need for ongoing activity to make a strong case for investment by working with the rail industry and Transport for the North to make sure this is reflected in investment plans.

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on rail matters affecting West Yorkshire.

Network Rail gave an update to the Committee, acknowledging what had been a difficult 12 months. There had been many lessons learned from the May 2018 timetable problems, which demonstrated that, as it is such a major hub, congestion issues at Leeds have an impact on rail performance both regionally and nationally. Network Rail are very aware of the impact felt by passengers and communities and in all future planning Leeds is viewed as having a national significance and profile.

Members were updated on the work being undertaken on the new platform zero at Leeds. The strategic planning team are working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Transport for the North (TfN) in looking at what requirements are needed to deliver the franchise commitments and developing cases for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

From June 2019 there will be a new structure at Network Rail, taking the number of route based departments from 8 to 13, in order to better reflect local alignment of strategy and to work more effectively with local needs and communities.

Members welcomed the change of the network organisation, commenting that this was a recommendation also made by Richard George in his review. Members asked what actions were being taken on his other recommendations. It was confirmed that the review is with the DfT but that Northern had chosen to implement some things ahead of their guidance/ comments.

The following points were also raised:

·                Northern and Network Rail are working to improve the efficiency of the Neville Hill Depot

·                Working with LNER to improve signalling

·                Working with Northern and TPE to optimise roll out of new rolling stock

·                Planning for the May and December 2020 timetable changes is already underway

Network Rail hold bi-weekly meetings with train operators regards timetable changes to ensure more stability and to accommodate implementation of new rolling stock. Members asked when they would know if there was an issue regards the December timetable and were informed that planning would mean there were no surprises. There is also independent assurance taking place to ensure that Network Rail’s assumptions are realistic and have contingency.

Members queried point 2.11 in the report which identified the importance of the extension to Platform 17 Leeds to addressing overcrowding of trains serving the Wakefield district and asked what is planned. Network Rail acknowledged this but were unable to confirm works planned due to it being a technically challenging project and being considered as part of the larger scheme of infrastructure works, for which a bid for funding had to be made. There will be an update at the end of the Summer 2019.

The Chair stressed that the increase to capacity at Leeds Station was of key importance to deliver services throughout the region. Other schemes also require support from Network Rail to ensure implementation such as the new stations at Elland, White Rose and Leeds Bradford Airport. Network Rail acknowledged they will work with the Combined Authority to support infrastructure development.

The poor access at Mirfield station was also raised and Network Rail informed members that Mirfield is part of the planned Trans Pennine Upgrade with a new fully accessible station is planned. Members requested that Network Rail work more closely with the districts. The Chair reminded Members that the Rail Operators forum is also an opportunity to discuss any disruption to highways.

The Chair thanked Network Rail for the update and welcomed that they will attend the Committee on a potential quarterly basis.

Graham Meiklejohn from Trans Pennine was invited to comment on points 2.35/ 2.36 in relation to rolling stock. Members were informed that the Nova 3 fleet had been accepted by Trans Pennine and drivers were undertaking training. Rolling stock will be introduced in December 2019- May 2020 timetables. There will however be a short term impact on the ability to ‘strengthen” peak services to six car operation until the end of July 2019 due to this.

Resolved:    

(i)        That the Committee notes the progress being made on rail matters affecting West Yorkshire as presented in the report.

(ii)       That the Committee urged the Department of Transport and Network Rail to prioritise the technical capacity analysis needed to determine the rail network requirements in and around central Leeds necessary to bring clarity on the investment required to deliver committed service improvements and accommodate growth across the City Region.

(iii)      That the Committee endorsed the activity necessary to prioritise the importance of addressing rail network capacity in and around central Leeds for improved services across the Leeds City Region and beyond, and the need for ongoing activity to make a strong case for investment by working with the rail industry and Transport for the North to make sure this is reflected in investment plans.