Minutes:
Members were provided with verbal updates from several transport operators:
Northern
Performance has been challenging due to staff shortages over winter, mostly as a result of Covid-19 cases. There are also challenges caused by the inability to train for new drivers throughout 2020, and there is a backlog of training to deliver before new drivers can begin regular service. The drivers’ union has also imposed a rest day working ban which is exacerbating the existing staff shortages though dialogue is ongoing to reach agreement between the operators and the union. As a result of shortages Northern is operating on a reduced timetable over the summer which has been shared with the Combined Authority.
Customer numbers are roughly 80% of pre covid figures, and new travelling trends are being observed. Season ticket holders are below 40% of what could have been expected pre-pandemic, caused by changes to regular working patterns and more working from home. Commuting patterns are now stronger in the middle of the week, with much higher leisure travel to retail destinations. It can expect to see more travel to typical outdoor and coastal destinations as the summer approaches.
Sales of advanced purchase tickets are approximately 150% higher compared to pre-pandemic figures, which allows for more effective planning of services. There have been no capacity issues so far, with the main Leeds-York line busy as well as Leeds-Nottingham, however the new trains have automatic counting technology to monitor capacity and further help to inform service provision.
It was asked if the Huddersfield-Castleford route will be restored, and if services will promote train journeys more widely. Operators confirmed the route will be restored, and will advertise to commuters to regain the interest that had been affected by the pandemic.
Positive feedback was provided on the work of converting trains to accommodate more bicycles, as well as for the new Northern website.
TransPennine Express
Due to apologies, TransPennine offered to share an update note to DCSC members following the meeting.
First Bus
First bus reported that lower staffing levels have led to some service reductions. Customer demand had reduced overall but the patterns are very different to the pre-pandemic landscape. There is a pipeline of recruitment for drivers wanting to join the bus industry, and licenses are being returned by the DVLA much faster now than during the pandemic. A number of vehicles are being converted to allow them to be used for training, and new training officers are being recruited to accelerate the process. Working arrangements are being reviewed to allow for more flexible working to make the role more appealing.
Passenger numbers are currently around 85% of pre-pandemic figures, which has risen from around 75% in previous months. Concessionary passengers are not returning as fast as other passenger types, and questions are being asked around how they might be encouraged to return.
A new fare structure has been introduced to increase passenger options. Tap on tap off has been introduced to buses, with return tickets supported by the end of April. The Corporate Travel Club offer is also being reviewed to encourage business use with more flexible tickets.
First bus confirmed that fuel is hedged which covers any short term volatility in the price and the availability of fuel. Welcome the upcoming funding package and see where that goes.
The Temple Green park and ride extension is now complete and will hopefully encourage drivers to use it for their commutes instead. The site was very busy pre-pandemic so similar use can be expected to return.
The customer services live chat will be expanded with more hours to include evenings and weekends.
It was questioned when full services are due to be restored. First Bus responded that there has already been a bounce back recently but it would be difficult to predict a full return to service. The easing of pandemic restrictions is good news for services and passengers but comes with risks of more transmission and rising driver illnesses once more.
It was positively noted that the £1 fare after 7pm will continue, and it was suggested that it may be of benefit to begin the promotion at an earlier time to attract more passengers and include more events that travellers would be attending. It was also highlighted that some deals are not visibly advertised so travellers do not know they are available. It was raised that the cost of fares for short journeys tends to be expensive compared to other options such as Uber, and if there is any way to tackle that issue. First Bus responded that the evening offer is being reviewed and more decisions will be made based on the customer use. More can also be done to promote the available deals, and this will be fed back to the appropriate teams.
It was questioned if the rising cost of petrol and living in general will be encourage higher public transport use. First Bus responded that the issue has been discussed internally, and particularly noted that there is a generation of young people beginning to enter the work force who will be most affected by cost of living, and public transport should be aiming to support them by offering an attractive alternative to car travel for commuting.
Arriva
Arriva reported passenger levels of 84% compared to pre-pandemic figures.
There are still issues regarding driver shortages, though recruitment campaigns are ongoing to attract new drivers through the new West Yorkshire Bus Jobs website. Arriva is also working with DVLA to fast track new licenses, and drivers with existing PCV license holders are beginning on a higher pay to encourage applications.
The decision to change Crown Point Road into a single lane with speed bumps will strongly affect bus passengers on what is one of the busiest routes into Leeds. Services have been diverted away from Crown Point Road and Leeds City College as a result. Arriva is campaigning to Leeds City Council to make amendments to Black Bull Street to allow service to the college again.
It was questioned if the withdrawn X25 service is a temporary or permanent decision, Arriva confirmed that it is permanent, and offered to assist with finding alternative services if needed outside of the meeting.