Agenda item

Simon Elliott, Head of Rail Programme, TfGM provided an update to members on rail service and operation across Greater Manchester over rail periods7 and 8 between 19 September – 13 November 2021. 

Operational performance remained broadly consistent in period 7 but had declined in period 8, largely due to weather-related events. PPM was reported to be in the higher 80% for the longer distance operators, around 90% for Northern and almost 95% for TPE. Right Time at Destination figures for both Northern and TPE remained strong at around 70%. Cancellations stayed relatively low, however total delay minutes had more than doubled across Network Rail’s Manchester Delivery Unit. Delayed minutes in period 8 were reported to be adverse to target for the first time in ten periods, by 16%.

Train operating companies experienced crew availability issues as a direct result of Covid and services were subject to both pre-planned and some late-notification cancellations, further details of the mitigations were outlined in the report.

Patronage levels over the period continued to increase, with Northern reporting around 78% of pre-Covid levels at its highest and TPE 68% of pre-Covid levels. However, since the introduction of Plan B restrictions due to the Omicron wave these had decreased overall to approx. 60%.

Members were reminded that face covering compliance on services in the previous period had decreased, however, the change in government guidance had resulted in an increase between 65-80% although this appeared lower at weekends and amongst younger travellers.

An update regarding the Manchester Recovery Taskforce was provided and Members were advised that there had been a consultation for the proposed timetable changes to be introduced in December 2022. TfGM had made strong representation on behalf of the Committee and the GMCA regarding infrastructure commitments to deliver future service improvements.

It was advised that TfGM continued to work with local communities and station groups on various projects in the region, an overview of the projects was detailed in the report. Furthermore, ongoing support was provided to local Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) and on behalf of the Committee, South Lancashire CRP were congratulated on recent wins at the national community rail awards for the Hate Crime and Sunday Rivington bus projects.

Due to the Omicron variant, the agreed Community Day event for Community Rail Groups scheduled for December 2021 would now be arranged by TfGM officers for February or March 2022 subject to government guidance.

Members were informed that the next round of funding for the Rail Station Accessibility Programme for 2024-29 was accepting bids. It was agreed that the Committee would receive an updated report on the approach to the Access for All programme prior to submission in April 2022 at the next meeting.

In discussion the Committee considered the financial challenges faced by the rail industry and reassurance was provided on the assistance and communication to customers travelling at Manchester Piccadilly station regarding stair lift access. 

Resolved /-

1. That the report be noted.
2. That the recent announcement by DfT on Access for All funding be noted and that the GMTC receive an update on the approach at the next meeting on 18 February 2022.
3. That the Committee receive an updated report on the approach to the Access for All programme of improvements to take place between 2024 and 2029 prior to submission in April 2022 at the next meeting on 11 March 2022.