Issue - meetings

Verbal update from Rail Operators.

1. That the update be noted.
2. That it be noted that thirty out of ninety train stations across GM were currently without a station adopter scheme and members of the Committee be encouraged to signpost any suitable community groups to Northern to become station adopters.
3. That Northern provide further consideration to the re-introduction of Sunday services to and from Rose Hill train station in future timetable changes should there be a clear achievable balance between demand/resource and cost effectiveness.
4. That further assurance be requested from the Committee and sought by TfGM from Network Rail on behalf of passengers requiring support at Piccadilly Train station on final train cancellations.
5. That it be noted that Northern had received direct customer complaints in relation to last train cancellations and the subsequent approach of station staff at Piccadilly and it be agreed that Councillor Emma Taylor (Manchester) to provide direct complaint details to Chris Jackson (Northern) to ensure the significant issue was investigated further and direct feedback provided to customers.
6. That TPE provide further consideration to the suggestion by Councillor Clarke (Stockport) to the possibility of Anglo/Scottish services to Glasgow and Edinburgh stopping more regularly at Carstairs station.
7. That future timetable changes by TPE take into consideration the request raised by Councillor Haslam (Bolton) for all services between Manchester airport to Glasgow and Edinburgh to stop at Bolton train station should there be adequate capacity.

The Committee invited rail operators to provide feedback on train services in GM over the recent period.

Comments raised by operators included the following:

• Avanti West Coast – reported that performance had remained strong but recent severe delays were due to adverse weather conditions and work was underway with Network Rail to mitigate for the future.
  
  Demand was currently 65% of pre-Covid levels across the network with much of the split for leisure and the remainder for business which was reported to be increasing particularly on the Manchester to London route. The introduction of three different classes had increased popularity with standard premium being a popular product.
  
  

Timetable changes would see an uplift in services from December to three trains per hour on the Manchester to London service recognising the increased demand.

Members were informed that the Pendolino fleet were due to be refurbished which would include seating, wi-fi and carpeting. The first of the upgraded fleet would be in operation by the end of the year or early 2022 with the remainder programmed for completion by 2024. Alongside this, procurement for the new detached fleet was ongoing and would arrive in service in 2023/24 replacing Voyagers.

An overview of the work being undertaken at Stockport along with the community rail partnership project at Wigan station was provided. 

• Northern Rail – further detail on timetable changes to come into effect on 12 December were provided which included the addition of Sunday services which reflected the increase in demand. 
  
  Members were informed of operational decisions that would come into effect to manage increased demand around the Christmas period.
  
  There had been reported spikes of ASB around Manchester Oxford Rd, Brinnington and Bredbury stations. Resources were being targeted and support from BTP and GMP to address the issues was acknowledged.
  
  An update on the progress of the accessibility taskforce was provided and Members were informed that a 3D street view of stations along with virtual reality technology had been launched to enhance the experience for those with accessibility needs. 
  
  It was noted that thirty out of ninety train stations across GM were currently without a station adopter scheme and members of the Committee were encouraged to signpost any suitable community groups to Northern to become station adopters.
  
  Leisure patronage at the weekends was reported to be at similar levels pre pandemic, however demand for commuting was still somewhat suppressed at 75% pre-Covid levels further adding to the financial challenges across the industry. 
  
  Members welcomed the update and requested that further consideration to the re-introduction of Sunday services to and from Rose Hill train station in future timetable changes be provided should there be a clear achievable balance between demand/resource and cost effectiveness.
  
  Concern was raised with regards to complaints that had been received from the public by Members of the Committee in relation to train cancellations that had resulted in last train connection issues at Manchester Piccadilly station. Members were advised that Northern had received direct customer complaints in relation to last  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20

Verbal update from Rail Operators.