Minutes:
The Group welcomed Hugh Evans from Keolis Amey, the new franchise operator for the Wales and Border contract from 15th October 2018. It was explained that the new branding will be Transport for Wales Rail Services (TfW Rail) not Keolis Amey.
He emphasised that it will be necessary to manage expectations as this is a long term journey, but comments received have been taken on board. It was explained that there will be no new trains at the present time but there will be a programme of improving, updating and rebranding stations. New rolling stock in this area can be expected in 2022.
There is commitment to connect with customers on a more local level and increase effective engagement on a regional basis. He was interested in furthering links by taking up representation on local rail groups. Community ambassadors will be employed to work locally to encourage better and increased numbers to use trains.
It was stated that solutions to the issues with Abergavenny and Chepstow Stations will be sought and also improvements to services (e.g. more Sunday services) are under consideration.
A community rail partnership will be introduced to improve station environments to e.g. make visitors and resident feel more welcome. Accessibility issues are under consideration with appropriate groups asked to advise.
Working together to provide an integrated network with bus service operators will also be a priority.
A Group Member raised the following points:
· The next refranchising of Cross Country trains is likely to impact on commuters from Lydney and Chepstow to Bristol. It was pointed out that if Cross Country Trains would no longer be stopping at Lydney and Chepstow then these would only have one train per hour which would be an unacceptable outcome. It was stated that TfW would look into implications of the changes to the Cross Country franchise.
· It was explained that the ticket offices at Chepstow and Severn Tunnel Junction are operated by independent ticket sellers. It was confirmed that this will be continuing. TfW Rail is committed to developing community hubs across Wales.
· The fares from Chepstow to Cardiff are up to double that from Merthyr to Cardiff; a similar mileage. It was confirmed that there will be no fare changes before January 2020.
· There were no details when Llanwern station will open. It was questioned if there will be a 1000 place car park which would indicate the end of the Metro line. If so, this would have a significant impact on roads in and around Magor. In answer to a question about whether the station is on the main line or the relief line, the Transport Planning and Policy Officer explained that it will be on the exchange sidings via the relief line. The exact location will rely on the site for the train factory.
It was explained that, following a meeting with Department for Transport representatives and MAGOR, a new New Station Fund bid for funding for the new station was recommended once GRIP 3 is progressed. If successful, the UK Government would fund up to 3/4 of the cost of a new station. It was queried if Keolis Amey would have a policy on investment in infrastructure. It was stated that there could be an opportunity to work together when GRIP 3 is done to explore funding sources.
Clarification was sought on Abergavenny Station Bridge, and how the signalling and Network Rail aspects would be controlled. It was confirmed that Network Rail would control the work but Keolis Amey will work together with them.
It was questioned when a bridge at Abergavenny might be constructed. It was explained that the money in the Keolis Amey franchise bid was not intended for the new bridge but for enhancing the station to be a better interchange. There is a fund for accessibility across Wales and Abergavenny is a priority scheme. Timescales are not confirmed as yet. It was explained that there is concern locally regarding station staffing in the meantime to provide assistance. It was explained that there are no plans to increase station hours.
A Group Member queried when community rail partnerships would start as it would be beneficial to start as soon as possible especially where Abergavenny Station is concerned. The Community Rail Officer posts start in October 2019. Information about station adoption schemes was requested.
Mr. Evans, and all Group Members were invited to a Community Engagement event on progress with the station development in Magor on 20th September 2018 at 7.00pm.
Mr. Evans was thanked for his attendance and contribution.