Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2017 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2017 be signed as a correct record.

Mr L Ward, Regional Development Planning and Programme Manager, GWR, to report.

Mr L Ward, Regional Development Planning and Programme Manager and Mr D Okey, Regional Development Manager, gave a presentation covering, in particular:

·         arrival of new trains

·         additional solutions for rolling stock in the West

·         timetable enhancements in 2018

·         customer and Communities Improvement Fund Year 3

·         progress of gateline and station car park projects

·         rail industry working with Local Authorities, LEPs and Communities to bring added value to investment, e.g. station masterplans, new stations, more services.

Matters discussed with Mr Ward and Mr Okey included:

·         the potential conflict of First Group running two train services to London;

·         a dip in passenger numbers not being unusual;

·         the lack of data for punctuality on local lines as opposed to showing the fleet data;

·         the extra service on the Crediton line being subject to resources and timetable;

·         new trains being cleaner and greener;

·         success of the special offer non-peak travel to Barnstaple, which would run again in the future.

[NB A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.]

A representative from South West Trains to report.

Mr Phil Dominey, Stakeholder Manager, presented an update which covered:

·         the award of the South Western rail franchise to First MTR South Western Trains Limited from 20 August 2017 for a period of seven years, with optional extensions;

·         timetable awaited from Network Rail relating to the Waterloo works in August and the operation of some trains to Reading;

·         refurbishment of rolling stock

·         response to the Competition and Markets Authority report on the Exeter-London route.

A representative from Network Rail to report.

Mr D Northey, Senior Strategic Planner, presented an update, which covered the need to look at issues including:

·         joined-up working to produce a cohesive network;

·         the route plans for the Barnstaple line and how this would inform other areas nationwide;

·         new stations at Cullompton and Wellington and options being worked on;

·         long term strategy for the Dawlish line and flooding along the Exe Valley;

·         air quality and the siting of freight containers;

·         improving travel to work and cross-city journeys;

·         the potential for further development in East Devon;

·         Community Volunteer Days, where any ideas or schemes were welcome; and

·         different ways of funding for the future.

Discussion with Members and Mr Northey, covered:

·         options being explored for a second passing loop West of Whimple, where funding bids had been submitted for this and other enhancements;

·         the need for a new station at Exminster as a result of further housing developments in area;

·         lack of information on what was happening on the Dawlish line, in particular, the cliffs between Teignmouth and Dawlish, and the involvement of the Peninsula Task Force and government funding of £10m to take to the next stage;

·         the need to engage with other travel operators to provide better connections with Barnstaple and other areas, and how Park and Ride sites were being considered along the Tarka Line.

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment, on behalf of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, to report.

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment, on behalf of the Manager of Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, gave a presentation which covered:

·         the impact of good publicity for the Tarka Line Offer, using social media and press releases;

·         Tarka Line Foodie Guide highlighting places to eat, buy local produce and food events, shortly to be published;

·         results of the recent North Devon survey undertaken.

Mr Ward, from GWR, acknowledged and noted that the most frequently asked question was for the provision of extra trains to coincide with the London trains.

[NB A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.]

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment to present.

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment gave an update which covered, inter alia:

·         Devon Metro refresh 2017 including development of line plans;

·         Marsh Barton - New Stations Fund announcement awaited;

·         Station enhancement works at Exeter St David’s, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Barnstaple;

·         GWR and Department for Transport in discussions about potential trial service at Okehampton;

·         continued working with partners and Department for Transport to review costs for the Bere Alston to Tavistock line;

·         new franchisee providing discussion opportunities;

·         an alternative format for the Working Party.

 [NB A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.]

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment to report.

RESOLVED that the Working Party consider the future role and format of the Working Party and send their deliberations to the Committee Secretary, for reflection at the next meeting.

To set a date for the next meeting.

Friday 19 January 2018, 1.30pm.