Issue - meetings

Members to be provided with an overview of rail issues in the North and to consider recommendations for the improvement of services.

Lead: David Hoggarth

4.1             Members received the Future of Rail in the North report and the Rail North Partnership Operational report from the Strategic Rail Director who outlined the key points within each of the reports before Members were able to asks questions and make comments.

 

4.2             Mr. Steve Montgomery provided the Committee with an update on the current situation in relation to TransPennine Express (TPE) and Avanti.  He recognised the current issues and challenges being faced and apologised to customers and stakeholders for the current situation. Before providing a local update, he gave some context to the wider industry issues.

 

He stated that industry reform is at different stages and explained that positive levels of engagement are occurring with the Trade Unions looking at reform. He further explained that the unions are seeking a pay increase for their members and together with the Unions and Government they are looking to develop reform that will enable that increase. 

 

He then updated the Committee on the current situation with Avanti,explaining that from July staff willing to undertake additional overtime shifts significantly reduced.  He then addressed the issue of driver training but stressed that the issue is not driver numbers at either Avanti or TPE as numbers are higher now than pre pandemic but rather getting drivers productive and trained.  He added that work on the Avanti recovery plan continues.

 

Mr. Montgomery explained that final discussions are taking place on the drivers rosters for the December timetable change and was hopeful that the talks would be positive leading to a reintroduction of services from December particularly on Avanti. 

 

TPE are facing similar issues on driver productivity with a significant amount of training needed on diversionary routes.  He reassured Members that they are doing everything possible to restore the services in December that they promised.

 

4.3             Mr. Matthew Golton then provided additional detail on the current situation with TPE.  He also apologised for the impact that cancellations have had on customers and Stakeholders.  Hestated that at the start of the Autumn cancellation levels were at the lowest levels since May but as the Autumn progressed matters became more challenging including a doubling of non-TPE related instances.

 

An update was provided on progress following the last meeting; he explained that they have been working hard to deliver improvements including a temporary adjustment to services on the West Coast Mainline which provided greater stability and a positive impact on the number of cancellations. More crews are expected to become competent by 12 December and the daily number of services will be increased to 35 in December rising to 40 in May 2023.   As competency and depth is added services are anticipated to  improve week on week.

 

4.4             Mr. Nick Donovan provided the Committee with a progress update for Northern.  He explained that there is currently strong customer demand with the service being at about 90% of 2019 volume levels with leisure continuing to dominate, but this is being impacted by the industrial action and the service delivery challenges.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4