Minutes:
Richard Isaac, Northern Rail, gave the following performance update:-
Cancellations 2.5%
Time to 3 79.05%
Time to 15 97.57%
Northern’s long-term performance targets aimed for 90% OT and 2% Cancellations.
Passenger growth had improved with Northern being in the top five for passenger increases. From April to March there had been an 8% increase in strong growth and from January to March an increase of 23.4 million which was the largest number outside of London.
A great deal of work was taking place to stabilise moving towards GBR implementation in 2027.
Further highlights included the move towards the new Rotherham Station and promotion of the East Coast mainline.
Further detail was provided on the art project involving Rotherham students on display at Bridlington Spa and the engagement with Local M.P.’s in Westminster. Northern Rail were keen to encourage and attract young people into the Rail Industry as much as possible. Rotherham College were commended for their involvement and promotion of opportunities and as a result Northern Rail had entered artwork from Rotherham into the Rail 200 competition.
It was also noted that the industrial dispute relating to terms and conditions was still to be resolved and an update would be provided in due course.
Parish Councillor Croxton again referred to his submitted question about ticket prices, overcrowding and the service routes. He asked if any effort had been made to alleviate this situation.
Richard Isaacs again reiterated this was an advanced purchase offer to manage overcrowding on the Leeds to Nottingham service (Fast).
This service aimed to move customers on to its stopping services to make it more attractive from Sheffield and Meadowhall.
The Chair made reference to passenger growth and asked if this could be broken down specifically for the South Yorkshire Region.
Richard Isaacs confirmed this data would be provided in writing.
Councillor Bower referred to a recent announcement about the Government’s decision not to pursue the electrification of the Midland Mainline and what impact this would have on the plans for Rotherham’s new Gateway Station and if this had a major blow on the business case.
Nathan Broadhead from SYMCA, confirmed he would pick up this matter direct with relevant personnel and would provide a response in writing.
It was again reiterated that the recent announcements were unlikely to affect the business case for the Rotherham Gateway Station and promotion of the use of public transport would continue.
Councillor Bower expressed his concern that the service to Rotherham was falling behind more so without electrification and it could indeed affect the business case. However, he was interested to see developments, but pointed out often it was easier to travel to Doncaster and Sheffield Stations and, therefore, bypass Rotherham.
The Chair pointed out that the business case did not rely on one line and had links with other networks so, therefore, had no direct impact. Rotherham’s Gateway Station was a project supported by SYMCA and it would be frustrating if this national project was pulled.
Councillor Blackham also pointed out often it was easier from where he lived to travel to Retford for the East Coast Mainline. He hoped the Rotherham project was viable. There were more options available for travel with clear advantages if electrification was confirmed.