Agenda item

(To receive a report by Ian Kitchen (Transport Policy Manager), which updates the Committee on the position in respect of the 3 rail franchises which provide services across Lincolnshire. In particular, it outlines the consultation currently being carried out by the Department of Transport for the re-letting of East Midlands rail franchise)

Consideration was given to a report which updated the Committee on the position in respect of the three rails franchises which provided services across Lincolnshire.  In particular it outlined the consultation being carried out by the Department for Transport for the re-letting of the East Midlands rail franchise.

The Committee were guided through the report by Ian Kitchen, Transport Policy Manager, with particular attention being drawn to the following sections:

·         East Coast Main Line Franchise

·         Northern Franchise

·         East Midlands Franchise

·         The increased service frequency aspirations for Lincolnshire

·         Connectivity

·         DfT timetable for delivery

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         It was commented that a joint approach by East Midlands Councils was the right way to go, as if authorities had the same message there would be an improved chance of improvements.

·         A query had been raised at the County Council on Friday 15 September 2017 regarding direct train services from Boston and Skegness to Lincoln.  Whilst it was acknowledged that new services may not be possible, there was a need to look at the connectivity at Sleaford.  It was hoped that this would be captured in the response to the consultation.

·         There were two main railway crossings in the south of Lincoln – Doddington Road and Skellingthorpe Road and neither were suitable for bridges due to the residential nature of the area.  It was commented that traffic could be held up for around 7 minutes when the barriers were down waiting for three trains to pass.  As more services were attracted to Lincoln, then this would have an impact on the barrier down time.  There was a need to consider the road network as well as the rail network.  Members were advised that there was no quick win solution for these issues, but if the Western Growth Corridor was delivered as planned, this would include a link road from Birchwood.  However, there may be small things which could be done such as improving the timing of trains so they cross at the same time to reduce crossing down time.

·         It was queried whether another visit to the signalling centre for new members would be useful.

·         The co-operation with other authorities outside of Lincolnshire was welcomed, as trains within Lincolnshire travelled outside of the county, so it was right to work with other areas as connectivity was an important issue.

·         It was commented that there were advantages to using bi-mode trains and it was queried whether the Committee could have a briefing paper by e-mail with further information.

·         The direct Lincoln – Birmingham route was one that members would like to see re-introduced.  Members were advised that this was something that businesses would also like to see, as it would also provide easier connections to other areas of the country.

·         It was suggested that there was a need to ensure that all trains had guards on them, but it was commented that members would rather Lincolnshire had a service that benefitted all passengers.  It was noted that it had been stated that there was no intention to introduce driver only trains into the east midlands contract.

·         It was important to ensure that there was assistance available for any disabled passengers who may have difficulty getting on and off trains.

·         It was noted that there was a stakeholder meeting with Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC) taking place shortly which would be an opportunity to receive an update on progress.

·         It was noted that when barriers were down for a long time, it was probably because they were automated and allowed additional time from the time stated on the timetable for safety reasons.

·         In terms of cascading old stock, it was commented that there was a need to have space on trains for all the people wishing to board.

·         It was commented that there was a wish to see the Joint Line electrified.

·         There was a need for hourly services, as well for the Spalding Peterborough route to be a two shift line.  Members were advised that the improvements to the joint line had enabled that to happen in theory, but that opportunity had not yet been taken, but this consultation could help to progress that option.

·         It was suggested that there could be spin-off benefits to improving the rail services, such as saving money on road repairs if more people started using the trains.

·         It was commented that there was a lot that rail could offer this city, and a lot that could be done to achieve it such as having one train per hour from Lincoln to Nottingham.  There was a need to embrace rail travel as well as the car.  This consultation was a chance to influence service at the start of a contract for the next seven years and get enhancements.  Participation was important and it was hoped that members would make individual responses to the consultation as well as supporting the East Midlands Councils response.

·         Lincolnshire did struggle with rail as there was no through traffic and it was very hard to compete with major urban centres.

·         It was queried whether there was a need for a policy decision on supporting an increased number of trains to Lincoln, as it could have an impact on traffic flow through the city.

·         It was suggested that staggered platforms, such as those at Metheringham and Ruskington, could help alleviate barrier down time, as the barriers could be raised as soon as the train had passed.

·         In relation to the Western Growth Corridor, it was commented that there was a need for two bridges over the railway lines, and without these bridges the development would fail, and there was no agreement regarding who would pay for them.

·         It was commented that Lincoln was a modern city with two universities which were moving up the league tables, and students were using the trains to travel around the country.

·         It was considered unacceptable that passengers at Market Rasen often did not know whether they would be able to board the train they were waiting for due to overcrowding.  It was acknowledged that there was a good bus service, but that people should be able to make a choice about how they travel.  It was hoped that in future a dual car service would be provided.  Members were advised that these issues would be highlighted in the consultation response.

·         There was support for additional night time trains, as this could have an impact on the night-time economy in Lincoln for theatre visitors etc.  However, this would also benefit people who needed to access hospital appointments in Lincoln who could not drive. 

·         It was suggested that a change in people's driving habits could help to alleviate some of the congestion around the level crossings on Doddington Road and Skellingthorpe Road, and it was suggested whether there could be signs highlighting alternative routes.  It was also queried whether there were any pinch point schemes which could be implemented in these areas, which may help in the short term.

·         The waiting times for connections for Boston/Skegness to Lincoln were highlighted, and it was noted that people would not commit to using public transport when they could make this journey faster with their own transport.  Work was needed on the timetables.

The main points highlighted during the discussion were summarised as follows:

·         Spalding to Sleaford needed to be a two shift line

·         There was a need for cascading of old stock

·         More services in Lincolnshire were welcomed even though it was acknowledged there could be traffic hold ups due to barrier down time.

The Committee was advised that there was a need to be prepared to accept the impact that this could have and be prepared to defend it.  The Committee accepted this and suggested that it needed to be captured in the response.

RESOLVED

1.    That the position in respect of the East Coast Main Line and Northern rail franchises be noted.

2.    That the comments made during discussion be noted and taken inot account when responding to the DfT's consultation in respect of the East Midlands rail franchise.