Agenda item

(To receive a report by Ian Kitchen, Strategic Transport Policy Manager, which provides an update on various rail matters in Lincolnshire. Representatives from Network Rail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and East Midlands Railway (EMR) will be in attendance to outline current proposal and answer questions)

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Phil Dawson, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Max Taylor, East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Laura Etheridge, East Midlands Railway to the meeting. Paul McKeown, Network Rail, was unable to attend the meeting because his travel arrangements had been affected by flooding. Paul McKeon would respond to any written questions from members.

The Committee received an update on various rail matters in Lincolnshire. Officers stated that the railway representatives were attending to make presentations on their current proposals and respond to questions. Officers updated members on the proposed improvements to Gainsborough Lea Road Station, Spalding Station and improvements to the railway line between Lincoln and Newark not mentioned in the report.

Phil Dawson, LNER, gave a presentation on the proposed changes to LNER's timetables which would improve services to Lincoln.

Comments by the members included:-

·    An enquiry was made about the cost of providing two new bridges across the Lincoln to Newark railway line in Lincoln due to future housing development. Phil Dawson stated that he would provide a written response to the member on this matter as he was not involved in this project. The bridges would provide an alternative route for traffic currently held up at the level crossings on Doddington Road and Skellingthorpe Road.

·    "Real Time" information on the new Azuma trains was welcomed. Phil Dawson stated that improvements had been made to LNER's "reservation of seats" system and that it was proposing to invest £3b in improving services.

·     An enquiry was made about the environmental impact of the proposed timetable changes. Phil Dawson stated that while the proposed improvements to the timetables would mean fewer stops which would help the environment.

·    Capacity and recovery were issues on the main line between Edinburgh and London. Phil Dawson stated that capacity issues on this line were a huge challenge. He outlined the improvements being made to overcome these challenges including the "Werrington Grade Separation" at Peterborough, more reliable trains and the introduction of bio-mode trains.

·    The provision of a diesel service on the joint line to London by LNER would help those living in South Holland. People in this rural area had problems in getting to services. Phil Dawson stated that this had been examined but had proved difficult to implement because of the loss a train on the main line. They were currently examining providing one train a week down the Joint Line and this was likely to be a weekend service. He stated that LNER would examine the effects of increased population growth planned for the South Holland area.

Max Taylor gave a presentation which included details of the new EMR franchise, proposed investment and improved strategic partnerships, including, amongst others, local authorities and businesses. This would lead to improved timetables, more trains, improved ticketing facilities, more rolling stock and additional stations.

Comments by members included:-

·    The proposals were welcomed including the removal of one carriage trains, the new timetables and a wish to see the proposed improvements for 2021 brought forward if possible. Max Taylor stated that changing timetables was complex and took time to get right.

·    An enquiry was made about making sure the best ticket price could be obtained at the point of sale, or if the customer would have to go back after the event to claim back overpaid ticket money. Max Taylor stated that EMR was reactive in making sure the customer had the best price and their current software only allowed them to be reactive.

·    The new services were welcomed. The Skegness to Nottingham service calling at Grantham should coincide with the LNER service to London would be helpful. Max Taylor stated that it was proposed to improve connectivity for all routes and stated that he would visit Skegness to examine the issues at this station.

·    EMR was advised to examine the Carlisle to Maryport rail route service to learn about the adoption of stations.

The Chairman, on behalf of members, thanked LNER and EMR for their interesting presentations and hoped that they would come back next year and show what improvements had been made. It was agreed to send the presentations to members.