Minutes:
Members were provided with verbal updates from several transport operators:
Northern
Northern reported that they are currently operating with approximately 88% of their trains arriving within three minutes of the scheduled time. This was felt to be a high standard, but it was noted that Northern were not currently running a full timetable. Passenger numbers are at about 75% of pre-pandemic levels, which comprises higher than average leisure travel but lower than average commuter travel. New products such as flexible tickets are being introduced to encourage more rail travel among commuters.
The timetable is due to be updated in December, with information being published online at present so passengers are informed.
Train driver numbers have not been impacted by staff losses as heavily as the bus industry has, however the training for new drivers was particularly impacted. Training has resumed but there is a backlog which is currently working towards being cleared.
The Neville Hill depot in East Leeds is being adopted under the control of Northern which will allow for more opportunities to improve services.
TransPennine Express
TransPennine Express reported that services are running at about 84% on time and are among the top performing services for punctuality. Arrival times are recorded for every stop, allowing for more recorded data and improved efforts to address late arrivals.
Passenger numbers are at around 70% of pre-pandemic levels overall, with higher leisure travel than pre-pandemic.
The timetable is due to be updated in December, though there are no major changes for services to or from Leeds.
Contractors have finished installing new customer toilets at Dewsbury train station.
First Bus
First Bus reported that passenger numbers are at around 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with fluctuations based on the area of Leeds. The return of university students has also led to increased demand, but distance learning has created new patterns of use which are being monitored.
The Stourton park and ride and East Leeds Flexibus are now operating. Numbers of users for both are growing and feedback has been positive.
Bus stop information at the Corn Exchange has been improved.
The City Square consultation is still ongoing.
There are no immediate plans for any service changes, with a focus on increasing staffing levels and restoring services fully.
Services have been disrupted by roadworks, but plans are in place to address any issues.
Arriva
Arriva reported that there are concerns with the planned alterations to Crown Point Road which could negatively impact passengers between South Leeds and the city centre by reducing the number of lanes and bus stops. This is likely to cause significant complaints and questions if the bus route would need to be diverted. The Chair noted that the issue regarding the Crown Point Road changes is being raised with the leader of Leeds City Council.
Following network changes in July, the number of passengers served at Woodlesford station and in Rothwell has grown.
The total number of passengers is about 70% of pre-pandemic levels.
Transdev
Transdev reported passenger numbers of around 70% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The services running to and from the airport had been most affected but numbers of service users are growing slowly as restrictions are lifted
Weekend and leisure travel remains higher than weekdays in line with other operators. Younger people are using services at a similar rate to pre-pandemic levels, whereas commuters and older people are still below levels from before the pandemic.
Season ticket offers are being offered to encourage travel, including ticket bundles and discounts for regular passengers.
There are currently two routes into Leeds that are not running regularly due to a driver shortage, but the routes can be restored when more drivers can be recruited.
The Chair thanked the officers for their updates and invited any questions.
A point was raised about the Nova 1 trains and the ability of individuals to lift items such as bikes on to the bike racks. Officers replied that there is assistance available for those who are struggling, and that a balance had to be struck between the facilities for passengers and the space required for different types of commuters. The limit of two bicycles per train is also a guideline which can be raised at the discretion of the conductor, provided it does not affect the accessibility for other passengers. This can benefit both commuters and leisure travellers but would need to be monitored for certain routes to ensure service is not negatively affected.
Concerns were raised about the number of people not wearing masks on trains, and that the recorded messages should be amended to suggest they should be worn at all times. Officers responded that there is currently no mask mandate for public travel so this issue cannot be tackled by the operators themselves. Trains do operate with open windows for ventilation, and messages are in place to encourage mask wearing.
It was questioned if the commuting patterns have changed as a result of the pandemic. Officers replied that there are still peak times as could be expected, but fluctuations have been observed on certain weekdays which suggest commuters using trains for only a part of the week.
It was queried why the Flexibus only operates in East Leeds on Monday to Saturday when there are other areas that are less connected that may benefit. Officers responded that it is a trial project which benefitted from some external funding to help support its delivery. The service is based on existing models such as those already running in Liverpool and is running in the Cross Green area of Leeds which is an underserved area and improves access for those residents to St James Hospital. The project also connects with existing infrastructure which allowed for easier passenger access. The lessons learned from this trial can be used to expand the project or improve existing service in more areas.
An issue was raised with the duration of roadworks, and if utility companies are paying highways operators for the disruption as that seems to impact the rate at which works are completed. Officers responded that this issue would need to be raised with Highways officers, as roadworks operate differently depending on the type of work being undertaken. It was suggested that a representative for Highways can be asked to attend future meetings to provide more insight and updates on current and future arrangements.
A question raised regarding any planned works due to take place in the lead up to Christmas. Arriva reported some proprietary works for the TransPennine route upgrade which will result in some closures over Christmas, however there are preparations in place based on previous similar works and there should be no significant disruptions to passengers.