Agenda item

A briefing report was delivered to provide the Board with an update on current rail related matters.

The Board was informed that train operators had reported passenger levels were now at 70% versus pre-COVID levels.  During the summer, both operators had seen spikes in the leisure market with overcrowding being reported on trains to key tourist locations. 

Northern Rail was currently exploring communications aimed at the commuter market and those currently working from home. 

The Board noted that the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan was anticipated to be published in October 2021, and would provide greater clarity on Government’s investment plans related to HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) investment.  Government was also embarking on the transition to Great British Railways, an arm’s length railway body which will subsume the responsibilities of Network Rail, most rail functions of DfT and many operator roles.

The Board noted that there had been significant work undertaken by the Manchester Recovery Task Force on a new rail timetable as well as progress on key South Yorkshire schemes and stations.  Further details were presented in the report.

In addition, the report provided the Board with updates on the following matters:

·            Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and Great British Railways;

·            Network Rail Continuous Modular Strategic Planning (CMSP);

·            Hope Valley Line capacity scheme upgrade;

·            East Coast Mainline Timetable Consultation;

·            Second train per hour on the Penistone Line;

·            Second express Sheffield – Leeds service;

·            Cross Country - to seek the restoration of the Reading to Newcastle via Doncaster service;

·            Restoring Your Railways Bid;

·            Station Improvements; and

·            Community Rail activity.

P Kennan informed the Board that there was a possibility of a bid coming forward for the Great British Railways Headquarters to be based in Doncaster. 

Within Network Rail’s Continuous Modular Strategic Planning (CMSP), P Kennan said that it was important for the Board to note what the impact may be in relation to the Doncaster Sheffield Airport GatewayEast rail link and a tram train connection to Doncaster. 

In relation to the Hope Valley Line capacity scheme upgrade, the Board was disappointed to note that, due to congestion at both the Sheffield and Manchester ends of the line, at present, there was no guarantee that a third fast train would be delivered from this scheme alone. 

P Kennan felt that pressure should be put on Network Rail to review their booking horizons for the sale of rail tickets in advance of travel.  He asked if officers could take this up with Network Rail.  ACTION: M Farmer and A Forrest. 

P Kennan also said that the poor performance of East Midlands Railways was of concern, especially around industrial action, fleet problems, crew shortages, poor performing trains and their fares structure. 

M Farmer said that she would be attending an East Midlands Railways conference shortly and agreed to raise the issues highlighted above. 

P Kennan reported that the first new intermodal express rail freight service from Immingham to Doncaster iPort would be launched on 22 October. 

RESOLVED – That the Board noted the update report and discussed key issues.