· Magor Station
· Abergavenny Station
· Severn Tunnel Junction Station
Minutes:
· Abergavenny Station: Network Rail provided the following brief update: “AE have now concluded our assessment of the signalling solution that is required. The outcome of that means that that the original proposed location is unchanged. We have started early discussions with the Conservation Officer at Monmouthshire Council to capture their requirements before we start design.”
It was added that Monmouthshire CC has been offered funding from the Cardiff Capital Region/Welsh Government joined with MetroPlus (Phase 2) to initiate other work at Abergavenny Station (outline of potential work in Local Transport Plan). This has not been taken forward to date but will be reported upon at a future meeting.
It was queried if an interim meeting is required with members in the Abergavenny area regarding the funding offered to improve the station. Christian Schmidt said that it was key to receive more information from Network Rail in the first instance.
· Severn Tunnel Junction (STJ): A Member questioned if Grand Union Trains (GUT) are still planning to introduce a direct service from STJ to Paddington in May 2021. Part of the agreement involved a new park and ride at STJ with bike shelters and an M4 link road. It was confirmed that GUT have been informed of our plans but there has been no further news.
It was commented that the calming device installed at STJ that was causing difficulty, has been replaced with a better version.
A new ticket machine has been installed which, because of its positioning and no barrier, will not allow season ticket holders to benefit from the new season tickets that offer more flexibility than previously. It was requested that the matter is brought to the attention of Transport for Wales as it is an important point for commuters. More information was requested in order to make contact with TfW. Communication with TfW rail services will also be undertaken on the topic of future car park management which will involve all rail car parks. The Chair asked Christian Schmidt to keep the group updated on developments.
· Magor Station: In June Magor Action Group On Rail (MAGOR) and Monmouthshire County Council applied to the New Station Fund and also the Restoring your Railways (RYR) Fund supported by Jessica Morden MP and John Griffiths AM. Of the 200 applications submitted, Magor was in the shortlist of 50 with one other station in Wales for the RYR Fund, which if successful would provide funding towards the GRIP3.
MAGOR has also been approached as a stakeholder for the SE Wales Transport Commission into the abandonment of the M4 Relief Road and has provided input on some of the initial findings. Of note were was a possible upgrading of the relief lines to provide a backbone rail service between Cardiff and STJ stations (Magor Station received a mention here). It was notable that integrated and active travel were prioritised.
A Traffic Management and parking study of the Magor area that includes the potential impact of the walkway station has been concluded. The comprehensive Capita report has been circulated and will help the GRIP3 study.
Information was provided that SouthWestern railways have been given £1m by the UK Government to change the mode of travel to stations.