Minutes:
The Sub-Committee was provided with the following operator updates:
First
· Progress on mobile ticketing was now at 35%
· Nearly 200 new buses for key corridors and 9 electric buses.
· The retrofit programme had been completed.
· A post-implementation review was underway following the September timetable changes to inform the December timetable changes.
Members of the Sub-Committee had the following questions and comments following First’s update:
· Members discussed the irregularity of the 33 and 34 bus after 9pm with customers facing up to 1 hour gaps between services. First committed to respond to Members of the Sub-Committee.
· A Member enquired about the increase in journey times to services from Yeadon on the timetables. In response the Sub-Committee was informed that journey times on the face of timetables had increased to account for congestion.
· First explained that Timetables need to be robust in order to ensure reliability and this might mean that journey times increase.
· Members discussed the impact of the headrow on bus services including buses taking different routes into the bus station. First reported that these were interim measure to mitigate delays caused by the headrow works and that First would look at further ways to address the Headrow.
Arriva
· Arriva reported that their fleet was compliant for the Leeds Clean Air Zone.
· 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 and that accordingly Arriva would be doubling the frequency of some of their busier services.
Members of the Sub-Committee had the following questions and comments following Arriva’s update:
· A Member asked about the possibility of including Rothwell in the Leeds urban ticket. Arriva explained that it would be difficult to look at lowering fares on that route.
· A Member raised the concern that buses were being held up when entering Wakefield bus station due to traffic wanted to turn into shopping area. The Sub-Committee heard that this had been identified as an issue and would form part of a Transforming Cities Fund bid.
· The Sub-Committee discussed the provision of bus services to the airport as well as the high cost of fares. Arriva explained that Yorkshire Tiger operated the service on behalf of the Combined Authority and it would be for them to reconsider fares.
· Members also discussed the desire for an express service to run between the Airport and Bradford and members expressed their concern that the express service would cut out stops.
Transpennine
· Transpennine informed the Sub-Committee of several timetable changes as well as the role out of their new trains.
· Previous timetable changes were reported to be steady and would be re-assessed for the December changes.
· Transpennine outlined the need for the Transpennine Route Upgrade to provide increased capacity and resilience between Leeds and Manchester.
Members of the Sub-Committee had the following questions and comments following Transpennine’s update:
· A member asked why Transpennine services stopped at Redcar and didn’t continue to Saltburn. The Sub-Committee was informed that it was not feasible due to resources and it would cost £10 million to continue to Saltburn.
Northern
· Northern provided an update on a variety of services including the introduction of a Halifax to Hull train which would also provide cross Leeds connectivity.
· New trains on the Leeds to Skipton route as well as the Calder Valley line.
· Pacers would be retained into the new year as Northern’s new trains were late from their suppliers.
Members of the Sub-Committee had the following questions and comments following Northern’s update:
· Members asked about the unreliability of services to Manchester Airport. Northern explained that without any infrastructure improvements to the Castlefield corridor.
Resolved: That the operator updates and the Sub-Committee’s feedback be noted.