Issue - meetings

To receive an update on rail operational matters and updates from the operators and Network Rail.

Lead: Gary Bogan

5.1             Members received the report from the Director of the Rail North Partnership.  Representatives from each of the Train Operating Companies were then invited to provide an update.

 

5.2          Mr Steve Montgomery provided an update on the current situation regarding Avanti. A recovery plan had been put in place last year and improvements are being seen, although there are challenges.  He explained that t the three trains an hour between Manchester and London had been be restored.  He informed the Committee that attempts are being made to bring more stability to the timetable although there is volatility on certain days and difficulties at the weekends due to terms and conditions.  Avanti is working with the Trade Unions on these issues.

 

He then addressed the issue of drivers and stressed that  rather than simply a shortage of drivers, the issue is a shortage of drivers who are deemed competent on the routes and drivers who have been restricted from duties due to long term sickness. He stated that the number of productive drivers is however increasing and that this is leading to a reduction in the number of cancellations. He added  that the next issue they needed to address is punctuality and delays to services.

 

5.3          Mr Matthew Golton provided an update regarding Transpennine Express.  He informed the Committee that the recovery plan has been submitted to the Department for Transport and explained that it sets out how TPE intends to resume reliable services. The plan sets out a series of actions and interventions across TPE which need to be delivered to return long term stability and reliability back to services. This includes measures to increase the number of available train crew to complete essential training, improving workforce relations, restoring reliability and rebuilding customer and stakeholder confidence.

 

The recovery plan assumes that there is no driver overtime working available and the target without that is to reduce crew related cancellations by up to 60% until the end of June.  He pointed out that should there be any further industrial action then this will impact on the rate of training as well as the recovery.

 

He acknowledged that he and his team recognise that the current situation is unacceptable, and that faster improvement and recovery is required.

 

Regarding Sunday services, he explained that TPE is in discussion with the Department for Transport and the Rail North Partnership about how they can be restored to an acceptable level.

 

5.4          Mr Nick Donovan provided an update on Northern.  Following the December 2022 timetable change  approximately  3,000 additional services per week have been running and these are not reliant on rest day working.  He then highlighted that during period 11 only 3.8% of services had been cancelled, including “on the day” cancellations, which is commensurate with the England and Wales average.

 

Mr Donovan updated on the current sickness levels within Northern;  there are some local hot spots with high levels of sickness, which is causing some issues on delivery.  On Sunday services, he explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5