Item 6b

AT A MEETING of the STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION WORK GROUP held at The Council House, on Monday 4 December 2006 at 6.00pm

PRESENT

Councillor I. Shires (Chair) Councillor Anson Councillor Arif Councillor Clarke Councillor Yasin

Other Attendees

Paul Rushton (Serco Nedrailways) Samantha Hodder (Govia) Richard Stuart (Govia) Peter Cousin (Rail Futures) Ian Jenkins (Rail Futures) Peter Sargent (Centro) Mike Hough (Central Trains)

Officers in Attendance

Glyn Oliver (Traffic & Transport Service Manager) Mark Clough (Strategic Transport Manager) Helen Dudson (Corporate Performance & Scrutiny Manager)

1/06. RAIL FRANCHISE Q&A SESSION

The Chair opened the meeting and explained that the working group had only recently been established and was gathering information to assist work of scrutiny and invited Mark Clough to explain the background. Mark outlined the council’s concerns regarding the Department for Transportation (DfT) plans and how a motion from full council had requested scrutiny to review rail issues; the scrutiny panel had established a work group as a result.

Mark Clough distributed a section from the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and information from Rail (NR) presenting their perspective regarding the railways; as they were keen to join in discussions but unable to meet on this occasion. He also informed the group that learning from Central Trains and their experience of running local services would be beneficial and would aid the work of the group and also hoped it would be informative for the bidders.

Councillor Shires added that Walsall has always been behind in terms of rail links, this was partly historical in how the town had developed, and expressed the view that there needed to be a change of direction for the Council in terms of where Walsall fitted at a variety of levels and how good transportation links would naturally support regeneration of borough. He gave an example of the regeneration potential the high speed links between Birmingham and had generated but also on regional links, for example , etc and he also commented on the need to provide effective and efficient public transport, particularly in the current environment with the increasing discussion about road pricing. He stressed is was important that the work group needed to think at all levels in terms of development and invited Peter Cousins to circulate a paper they had prepared.

(annexed)

With the Chairs approval Mark Clough suggested getting an idea of the current status of the services and invited Mike Hough from Central Trains to address the group. Mike explained that Central Trains had run services since 1992 and that patronage had doubled in that time and he suggested that capacity would be an issue in the future. He explained that the issues with rail tracks were the same as in 1992 and gave the examples of line speed restrictions, rail lines predominately used for freight, and problems with the sections between signal boxes. He added that there had been some commitment from to improve and that specific items of improvement were detailed in the business plan.

When asked, Mike Hough informed the group that on the Wolverhampton to Birmingham line, times were running quite well with good reliability and that approximately two thirds of the problems were related to the network and approximately one third were Central Trains related. He explained that the main issue was delays caused by freight train movement. He explained that the layout of Walsall station was unmoveable, so trains for Birmingham could only come in and depart from one platform. However, he also stated that Network Rail were committed to look at how this could be improved. He informed the group that the Network Rail Business Plan did include improvements and that the current programme for 2006-09 included improving speed times to and infill electrification of the Walsall to Rugely line. He explained that currently, north Walsall stations could only operate three carriages due to platform length, but there were plans to extend the platforms.

Ian Jenkins stated that there had been a lot of problems and cancellations on the Wolverhampton line and that he was aware that capacity could be upped. He suggested opening Willenhall Station and asked Mike Hough if he agreed this would be beneficial. Mike Hough explained that it currently cost between £0.6 and £0.8 million to operate the line and that it operated on a ratio of 10:1, was making huge losses and that it was important to fully consider if opening another station would fill gap. He added that the Walsall to Wolverhampton line was the fastest growing route but that, as it was starting from such a low base, significant increases in use were needed to make the line profitable.

Councillor Shires explained that the Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) area covered just south of Willenhall and met the Darlaston regeneration area, and that the area was the last large piece of land for redevelopment and that good

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transportation links were important in attracting investment. He added that Walsall was made up lots of older areas and that Willenhall was the first one to be considered and that it was important to consider options, not just the existing operations, but to be holistic and forward looking.

Ian Jenkins suggested under use of the Wolverhampton line was down to marketing and the chair invited Councillor Clarke (as representative of Passenger Transport Agency (PTA)) to comment. Councillor Clarke stated that there was still ongoing consultation and that he had personally worked very hard to keep the Walsall to Wolverhampton line open. He acknowledge that there had been a lack of marketing over time but that 9 months ago Centro completed a marketing exercise on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line that improved the use but previous disruptions do damage the image of such a service. He also explained that he was conscious of Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) and he was concerned whether the government would support any proposals. He added that whoever was the successful bidder would be worked with closely and that he would continue to petition that local people should be represented in deciding the delivery of local services.

Councillor Arif stated he was keen to see some action plans and proposals about the future and how they could move this forward. He gave the example of capacity issues, acknowledging there had been issues for years, but asking when action could be taken. Mike Hough responded that the Walsall to Birmingham line had proved improvements could be made. Councillor Shires agreed and added that in order to get an idea of timescales the group needed to speak to Network Rail at a future meeting.

The chair invited Peter Sargent from Centro to present their view. He started by acknowledging that Walsall probably had the best rail service it had ever had but still other things could be done and that the current franchising provided an opportunity to look at what could be done as the current franchise was due to run till 2008. He explained to the group that Centro subsidies came from the DfT and that the tender asked bidders to cost the Walsall to Wolverhampton line. But as the DfT were not making Centro joint signatory on the contract, they would have a separate contract with the successful bidder. He added that the DfT had committed to underwrite the current service level and that Centro were hoping the DfT would fund an increased frequency on the Walsall to and Rugely line. He confirmed that Centro remained strategically interested in Willenhall Station and that they had made incremental improvements with marketing on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line, but that providing an adequate service was more important that just opening Willenhall Station; services to Birmingham would still need to go via Walsall.

Paul Rushton from Serco Nedrailways confirmed the tender as outlined by Peter Sargent and added that punctuality, reliability and targets were all part of the tender.

Peter Cousins informed the group that the Walsall to Wolverhampton line was electrified but currently serviced by diesel and that it also did not service users from Cannock. He added that there was a Showcase scheme proposed for the Chase line that would improve stations in Cannock and but did not include and Bloxwich North.

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Councillor Shires queried the potential of linking the Showcase bus route to the Moseley Estate, not far from Bloxwich North station, and the Chase line Showcase. Peter Sargent confirmed that the Chase line Showcase included both Bloxwich and Bloxwich North stations and that funding had been bid for but not prioritised. Ian Jenkins commented that the Bloxwich station location was difficult and not pleasant to visit.

Councillor Arif asked when Walsall station would be improved and Mike Hough explained that part of the renewal of signal system included the redesign of Walsall station to improve flexibility of use of the station.

Councillor Shires informed the group that the Leather Heritage Working Group were currently looking at redevelopment of the surrounding area and that he felt developers should be encouraged to invest in the rail station. He added that public transport needed to be flexible enough to enable people to work the flexible hours they wanted to and gave the example of the reduced frequency after 6pm making getting back from Birmingham very difficult. He asked if there was anything from central government regarding a link into Europe, as, for example, had occurred in the Laval region of France and stated that if there was to be a new station in Birmingham it needed to look at links to Europe as environmental issues around flying may force the demand. Peter Sargent replied that there was nothing he was aware of.

Ian Jenkins informed the group that there could be a better opportunity and suggested talking to the company behind the proposed Wrexham to Marylebone line. This was currently to go via Wolverhampton and would be able to stop at . This would encourage raising the profile of Walsall. He added that another option may be to follow the example of Hull who have their own branded trains.

Councillor Arif proposed the group agree to contact the company behind the Wrexham line to look at the feasibility of running the route through Bescot. Peter Sargent responded that he was aware of the Wrexham to Marylebone proposal but felt Centro needed more details about the proposal before they could support completely, as capacity was already tight and they would want assurances that this would not impact on other services. He added that Centro recognised that Bescot was the last station with free a car park and therefore had the potential.

Mark Clough recognised there had been a lot of information shared and suggested Mike Hough responded to points raised. Mike Hough explained that on the Hednesford line there was an increase of 15% in takings and 10% in patronage and that if the rate of growth continued over the next 3 years, capacity would be exceeded by 2010.

Councillor Shires reminded the group that they were not at the meeting to make decisions; their purpose was to consider issues and it was the first opportunity to have an open discussion. There were short, medium and long-term issues and opportunities to be identified and addressed. He added that the group needed to consider working in partnership, including considering budgets in a holistic way, but should consider other funding streams, particularly for capital. He gave the example of the WRC and that anyone investing in an area would impact on an area and

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transportation systems so this needed to be considered. Councillor Clarke added that the PTA welcomed the input of scrutiny.

Councillor Arif asked who was considering the capacity issue. Peter Sargent explained that capacity was a key issue in the re-franchise and how the re-franchise will facilitate further growth would be considered. He added that he did not feel crowding issues in London should be replicated in Midlands as it was a different market; hence the requirement to run longer trains.

Peter Cousins said the increased use was good news but felt it would be good if Walsall did support electrifying the Chase line, but that consideration was also needed for the Aldridge line as this would flow through to Birmingham.

Councillor Shires suggested involving the Members of Parliament (MPs) as the issue was about working together. It was important that regional issues were worked on regionally and he requested that MPs were invited to a future meeting. This was agreed by all Members.

Samantha Hodder informed the group that Govia ran operations in the south, had developed good working relationships with local authorities and were amenable to developing a relationship in a way that supported the desires of the council. This was echoed by Paul Rushton as the way Serco Nedrailways also worked.

Councillor Shires asked Centro as to what the Council could do to assist them in what they wanted for region and how best to pool resources. He added that the Council had links to Walsall Borough Strategic partnership (WBSP) and that it would probably touches more partners then anyone else. Mark Clough added that the Aldridge line and Brownhills line were areas that could potentially be considered as part of longer term aspirations.

Councillor Shires clarified that Walsall was the centre of the freight network and suggested that the group needed to consider if this gave potential for a regeneration opportunity. He added that the group needed to make contact with surrounding council’s to make links.

Peter Sargent informed the group that Centro had looked at the Aldridge line as there was demand, but concluded that freight use made the business case undeliverable; although they recognised there was still demand and potential to make a scheme work. He reminded the group that currently there were 4 trains from Birmingham to Walsall and that 2 of these currently went on to Hednesford. Consideration must be given to how these lines would be serviced and acknowledged that Network Rail proposals would relieve some of the congestion regarding freight movement.

Samantha Hodder circulated background on Govia as the Chair confirmed that the group would meet again and requested that the next meeting be held early in the New Year.

There being no further business the meeting terminated at 7.35 p.m.

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