Agenda item

Operators were invited to give their updates to the sub-committee

Arriva

·         Arriva re-confirmed their commitment to the Bus Alliance and the view that in order to increase patronage it would be necessary to increase service frequency

·         Reported that West Yorkshire had been recognised as providing the most punctual service area in the country and had a dependable good service.

·         Updated regarding the sale and that bids had been invited to purchase. They will still be Arriva and will still be in operation

First

·         Improving timetables

·         Retrofit programme had been completed with nearly 200 buses for key corridors

·         A post-implementation review was underway following the September timetable changes to inform the December timetable changes

·         There is to be a fare increase which is not ideal but necessary due to increasing fuel costs.

Members of the sub-committee had the following questions and comments following the updates.

·         What was the fare concessions for the age group 60 – 67 years, it was felt that a gap still exists in this area.

·         Clarification was requested on the policy of the bus companies for transporting bicycles, prams, wheelchairs.

TransPennine

·         New trains had been introduced into the rolling stock which have provided additional capacity.  Customer feedback has been good.

·         Winter timetables will shortly be introduced.

·         Dewsbury now has two trains per hour to Manchester and Manchester airport.

·         Summer 2019 has seen a better performance than 2018.

·         There have been issues with infrastructure and a high impact due to delayed trains

·         Impact from key work being undertaken by Network Rail and the corridor is run to maximum performance.

·         Working closely with Network Rail.

·         Friends of Dewsbury Station have been undertaking flower planting

·         New Toilets and baby changing facilities have now been provided along with an additional shelter at Dewsbury Station with funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The provision of both facilities has been much appreciated by rail passengers using Dewsbury Station.

Members of the Sub-Committee had the following questions and comments following the update from TransPennine

·         The new trains are louder and had this been considered when purchasing the new trains.  The representative from Trans Pennine responded to say that the trains comply with European standards, but agreed they were louder.

·         Residents had been making observations that the trains were louder

·         The noise had an impact on announcements near the proximity of the engine.

·         At Dewsbury Station the Barriers are an obstacle for a visually impaired person and it is difficult to get through with a guide dog as the gates are not manned all the time. The response to this question was that the problem is appreciated, and this will be picked up and looked into further.  All employees have been on a disability awareness course but will ensure that the Station Manager at Dewsbury is aware so that assistance can be provided.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

·         Regarding changes in strategies, Network Rail are the organisation to contact.

·         The performance has been better between Manchester and Leeds.

·         Capacity to accommodate, bikes, wheelchairs and luggage.  TransPennine are looking at providing more capacity. 

Northern

·         Performance better, the network is however poor and busy. 

·         Brand new diesel train being launched in the Calder Valley.

·         Brighouse, new trains have been delayed.

·         Driver and Conductor training taking place.

·         Pacer trains are to be replaced but will be retained for a short time in order to ensure a continuation of service. The decision has been for two reasons, Driver knowledge of the trains and capacity. The remaining Pacer trains will be discontinued in May 2020.

·         Autumn is always a difficult time with leaves on the line

·         Waiting for the Williams review

·         158 new sprinter trains perform better with falling leaves.  Huddersfield University are looking into solutions to leaf mould

Members of the sub-committee had the following questions and comments

·         Pacer trains need to go as soon as possible

·         Colne Valley Stations are they still managed by Northern, the answer to the question was yes

·         Real time train information has not been working

·         Marsden station and the Access for all project – all stations were not included because of the Transpennine route upgrade.

 The Chair thanked all the operators for their updates.

Resolved:  That the Operator updates and the Sub-Committee’s feedback be noted