Agenda item

Resolved:

(i)            That the updates on the various matters outlined in the report be noted.

(ii)           That the ongoing work by officers with train operators and Network Rail to secure franchise commitments, including restoration of and securing additional peak-time capacity be endorsed.

(iii)         That the ongoing activity of the West Yorkshire Rail Forum in making clear to the rail industry the Committee’s ongoing commitment to the daily reliable operation of the local rail network be endorsed.

(iv)          That the approach set out to develop applications for the Department for Transport Access for All Mid-Tier Programme as set out in the submitted report be endorsed .

(v)          That the final submission of West Yorkshire Combined Authority to the HS2 Phase 2b Design Refinement Consultation response be approved.

The Transport Committee was provided with a presentation from Phil Dawson on behalf of LNER.

LNER set out their plans for the rollout of the Azuma fleet and it was reported that seven sets were currently in service with up to 33 sets to be rolled out by the end of the year.

The Committee noted the timetable changes including additional services in Bradford and the introduction of a Huddersfield to London service. LNER acknowledged that the timings for the Huddersfield service, with a departure time of 05:50, was not ideal but that it was necessary as the route was congested.

LNER also addressed the issue with the barriers at Wakefield Westgate being unable to read M Cards. The Committee was informed that a solution had been identified and should be in place in October, but that it was dependent on a third party.

Members queried the availability of storage for bicycles on board LNER services and were informed that there would be up to 8 storage spaces available for use.  

Representatives from Northern and Transpennine express were in attendance and invited to answer questions from Committee members.

Members queried the poor performance from Northern in the last period as well as the delay in the retirement of pacers. Northern recognised the difficulties regarding their rail performance and provided an update on the rollout of their new fleet and the training regime for drivers which was reported to be on schedule.

Regarding performance statistics Members asked if they could have information which explained why services were late and not just the number of late-running services. It was noted that some delays were caused by factors outside of the operator’s control and more in depth information would enable Members to identify trends and underlying causes in poor performance.

Members queried the fairness and consistency of the penalty fare policy in operation on Northern’s franchise. In particular Members were concerned about the reliability of ticket machines at stations meaning that passengers could not obtain a ticket in good time in advance of their journey. Northern informed the Committee that penalty fares were mandated as part of their franchise agreement and that multiple ways of obtaining a ticket were available. Members were also notified that an appeals process was in place and were invited to meet the debt delivery team which was based in Bradford. Northern also offered to provide further details and statistics on penalty fares.

 Members also discussed the industry approach to Leeds Station and the extent to which it was seen as a constraint to all operators due to a lack of capacity. The Committee was informed that Government had identified a senior civil servant who was providing a central point of contact to bring together the various owners of individual projects.  

Resolved:

(i)        That the updates on the various matters outlined in the report be noted.

(ii)       That the Transport Committee endorses ongoing work by officers with train operators and Network Rail to secure franchise commitments, including restoration of and securing additional peak-time capacity.

(iii)      That the Transport Committee endorses the ongoing activity of the West Yorkshire Rail Forum in making clear to the rail industry the Committee’s ongoing commitment to the daily reliable operation of the local rail network.

(iv)       That the Transport Committee endorses the approach set out to develop applications for the Department for Transport Access for All Mid-Tier Programme as set out in the submitted report.

(v)       That the Transport Committee approves the final submission of West Yorkshire Combined Authority to the HS2 Phase 2b Design Refinement Consultation response.