Agenda item

To receive an update on the work of the Rail Accessibility Task Force established by the Rail North Committee.

Lead: David Worsley

5.1          The Rail Strategy Manager presented the report.  He stated that the previous reports to the Rail North Committee had supported the Members’ view as to the importance of this issue.  The focus now was on to use the levers available to TfN to make progress with delivery. He highlighted how the TfN executive was working with the Rail North Partnership to emphasise the importance of investing to improve accessibility as part of the operators’ 2026-7 annual business plans, as well as the opportunity for the Rail North Committee to shape the next 10-year outline service specification.  These actions, together with other work has been ongoing as outlined in the report.  In so doing he noted that the focus on improving accessibility aligns with the five missions of the new Government.

5.2          Cllr Swarbrick commented that as a member of the Task and Finish Group he is very pleased with the current position and believes that a lot of good work has been done. He emphasised the importance of all Members being strong advocates of the need to improve accessibility. He continued by noting that improvements such as CCTV and signage do not require large budgets, and it is therefore important not to lose sight of “quick wins”. Measures which are overly strategic and grandiose may not be necessary, and many “low level” measures can make a real difference very quickly.

5.3          Mayor Brabin commented that a lot of excellent work had been done, but the scale of what is needed is galling because provision is not being made for those who really need to get around. In West Yorkshire no stations have compliant level boarding. Mayor Brabin welcomed the work so far, and stressed the need to be ambitious as to what is needed to deliver for West Yorkshire and the whole country, to become like European networks. Work is needed with the DfT and other partners to provide a revolution for West Yorkshire and the country as a whole.

5.4          Mr Rawstron reinforced the same message, and in particular the importance of recognizing that small scale interventions can have a disproportionately large impact, so we must make sure that they are picked up.

5.5          Mayor Rotheram brought to the meeting’s attention that Liverpool City Region’s new acquired trains are accessible.  He argued that Liverpool’s experience showed that it is possible to achieve this with new stock, but that this is not always the case. Having had the Merseyrail concession under the LCR’s management for some time, he is hopeful that 80% of the network will be fully accessible. He reflected on how improving accessibility transformed lives. The issue needs to be presented to the Government as a political priority, one which can (and should) be delivered quickly so as to achieve a step change to lead the whole country.

5.6          Cllr Gittins said that pressure should be placed on providers, and referred to a recent high profile news report which highlighted that there was some way to go in terms of ensuring dignity in the way people are treated.

5.7          Mayor Skaith commented on the critical role that accessibility has to play for his authority, noting that otherwise people may be isolated or have limited options; for some, the train is often the only option for longer journeys.

5.8          Cllr Swinburn drew attention to the frustration experienced in the delay to improvements between Cleethorpes and London – which have not yet happened despite the passage of five years.

5.9          Mr Mackintosh of Network Rail commented on the long-term nature of planning and the need to align with rolling stock and timescales. As part of the Trans Pennine upgrade, investment in stations will ensure that they are accessible and in particular he highlighted how investment underway at Huddersfield will be transformational.

5.10       The Chair observed that rolling stock is not replaced often, so when it is, there is a big opportunity, including to provide double doors not simply single doors.

5.11       The Rail Strategy Manager made some closing comments and acknowledged the help being provided from Mr McIntosh and his team.

5.12       Cllr Hughes highlighted the critical role that Barrow plays both in terms of the local economy and national defence, noting that none of the local stations are fully accessible.

Resolved:

That the Board note the report and endorsed the work of the Rail North Committee in making the rail network more accessible for all.