Minutes:
Mr. M. Youngman, Development Manager Wales and Integrated Transport Manager (covering bus, cycling and rail integration) Great Western Railways (GWR) was welcomed to the meeting and kindly delivered a presentation to provide a service update.
It was noted that new trains are in service and the offer of a guided tour was extended to all Group Members if travelling.
Considering performance, it was explained that there had been some problems with the train fleet that have caused service pressures resulting in reduced services which, on occasion, have seen instances of people being left behind. Efforts are made to make the best use of available trains on a daily basis.
Contingency plans include e.g. acceptance of tickets by First Bus Bristol and the High Speed Train (HST) stopping at Severn Tunnel Junction (STJ) if the Cardiff/Portsmouth Harbour train is short formed). GWR Managers have been tasked to look at performance to improve services.
The recent introduction of Turbo trains has improved performance in and around Bristol. It was noted that signalling work and engineering work, and trespassing incidents have caused an impact. It was also explained that sometimes there is no advance notice of large sporting and music events which can be challenging.
Details of new trains were provided and also plans to alter the use of HSTs e.g. a shorter (four carriage) HST may be introduced between Cardiff and Swansea to increase capacity.
The Intercity Express Programme (IEP) was explained, noting that some formations will be longer compared to existing trains (up to ten carriages). Whilst they are too long for some platforms, it will be possible to select to only open certain doors. Features in standard class include ramps for wheelchairs etc., more capacity, more legroom, wi-fi, laptop fold down table, power points for each seat, trolley service and overall faster journey times. Reservations are compulsory for dedicated cycle space. GWR is working with local authorities to provide cycle parking at stations, and is also working with cycle hire companies.
An update was provided on Intercity Train current services and planned routes (e.g. Hereford, and between Cardiff and Newport) to be introduced within a year. A new timetable will be introduced in December 2018. It was confirmed that car-parking is an ongoing issue at stations in S. Wales despite passengers being encouraged to walk, take the bus or cycle to stations. It was noted that discussions are in progress with the autonomous vehicle sector to explore future possibilities to reduce use of own vehicles.
An update was provided that Turbo trains started between Taunton and Bristol this week, and there are plans to start a Cardiff to Taunton service before the end of the year. These services have greater seating capacity than current provision
A Group member provided feedback that there were problems with the 17:25 service recently having insufficient carriages and passengers were left behind. There was a lack of information that those going to Cardiff/Newport could have gone to Bristol Parkway to catch another service – the 18:10. This service was identified as a possible train to stop at STJ.
It was responded that GWR provide information on alternatives but often passengers do not want to change trains. It was added that consideration is being given to making permanent the HST stopping once in the morning and once in the evening at STJ which could then be added to journey planners. It was acknowledged that the 17.25 service causes challenges and is being monitored.
Feedback was provided regarding STJ that the closure of the foot and road bridge , whilst being rebuilt, added to the availability of fewer carriages, has caused a downturn in usage at peak times. There has also been a large increase in off peak travel including Sundays. The challenge of the potential impact of the removal of Severn Bridge tolls was considered (e.g.encouraging increased use of cars), lack of car parking and also the effect of future engineering work puts people off travelling due to longer journey times and the use of buses.
It was questioned if GWR supported the development of Didcot station carpark and confirmed that GWR manages it. It was financed from an enterprise partnership, growth fund and other sources. It was hoped that the new franchise for the Wales and Borders contract will include development of car parking.
The Chair questioned if it was correct that the trains are only made available to routers in the morning on a 24 hour basis. It was confirmed that a log is issued at 5am and 5pm with information on what trains are available due to maintenance etc. It is then planned e.g. which services will have to run with fewer carriages. It was explained that new trains are being built to more reliable standard. There is an e mail alert system for passengers to provide advice on short form trains or cancellation plus Twitter and platform announcements but advice is not always heeded - suggestions were welcomed.
It was confirmed that Turbo trains are not yet converted and this is still under discussion but it was speculated that they will be used on the Cardiff - Portmouth service.
It was questioned if operators consider availability of car parking when planning where trains stop. It was commented that passengers need to be able to drive to it a station and to park.
Mark Youngman was thanked for his contribution to the meeting.