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 train cancellations and the subsequent approach of station
staff at Piccadilly. It was agreed that direct complaint details be
provided to Chris Jackson to ensure the significant issue was
investigated further and direct feedback provided to customers.
Furthermore, it was determined that assurance would be sought by
TfGM from Network Rail on behalf of passengers requiring support at
Piccadilly Train station on final train cancellations.
- Trans Pennine Express (TPE) –
patronage was reported to be 68-70% pre-Covid levels during the
week with increased demand over the weekends. Going forward, 99% of
bookings on Anglo/Scottish routes were at pre-Covid levels and
Christmas booking were also reported to be strong across the
network. There was also an increased demand in commuter routes
between Leeds and Manchester.
Timetable changes would be on the whole
rolled over apart from the reinstatement of services between
Manchester airport and Glasgow in December and Manchester to Hull
services would see an increase in carriages.
Members requested that TPE provide further consideration to the
suggestion that services to Glasgow and Edinburgh stop more
regularly at Carstairs station. Furthermore, that future timetable
changes take into consideration the request for all services
between Manchester airport to Glasgow and Edinburgh stop at Bolton
train station should capacity allow.
Resolved /-
- That the update be noted.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.