GOVIA THAMESLINK RAILWAY (GTR) UPDATE
To receive an update from Patrick Ladbury, from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), regarding:
· The current service and performance in the area, with a particular focus on recovery from industrial action and other service interruptions.
· The current financial state of the rail industry, taking into effect current strike action.
· The restoration of service frequency at Knebworth station.
· The Access For All funding bids made for Baldock and Knebworth stations.
Decision:
Patrick Ladbury, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), provided an update regarding the current service levels and performance of the railways in North Herts, including the impact of ongoing strike action. He also provided updates on stations in North Herts.
Minutes:
Audio Recording – 4 minutes 47 seconds
Patrick Ladbury from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) gave a visual presentation and highlighted the following points:
· The Franchise had been extended from April this year for a further three years, with a possibility of a three-year extension after that.
· He covered the service for the year looking punctuality and reliability.
· Issues / cancellations earlier in the year were due mainly to driver availability, trespass and suicide, and problems with the infrastructure due to the weather.
· Passenger numbers for 2022 were approximately 72% of pre-covid passenger numbers.
· Timetable changes, and how to do that to reflect the numbers travelling.
· East Coast mainline timetable – Knebworth services.
· East Coast Digital programme – bring better reliability / services.
· Royston Station – a new footbridge is being built with lifts.
· Access updates – waiting to hear about additional funding.
· Hitchin Eastern Entrance – looking for funding for a feasibility study.
The following Members, officers and members of the public asked questions and took part in a discussion:
· Councillor Roger Willcocks – Knebworth Parish Council
· Councillor Paul Ward – Knebworth Parish Council
· Councillor Sean Nolan – North Herts Council
· Councillor Ian Albert – North Herts Council
· Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg – North Herts Council
· Councillor Sam Collins – North Herts Council
· Councillor Mike Harrison – Royston Town Council
· Anna Howarth – Knebworth Rail Users Group
· Councillor Ruth Brown – North Herts Council
In response to questions Patrick Ladbury (GTR) advised:
· Finsbury Park had a rest break area for drivers, there was also interaction with other trains which can cause delays.
· GTR had 2.2 drivers for every job, which was the industry standard. They were recruiting more drivers due to the training taking place for the Digital Programme.
· Patrick said he had not heard of any new strike dates, but the unions would need to provide two to three weeks-notice for strikes.
· When Network Rail go on strike this includes the signallers, which has an impact on the trains.
· Regarding the East Coast mainline timetable for Knebworth, Patrick hoped to have an update after the 19 January.
· In the next control period (starting April 2024) we will find out which stations will get funding. The announcement of the funding will be made in during 2023.
· GTR would welcome a transport hub at Royston, Patrick Ladbury also mentioned it would be helpful to have just one ticket for buses and trains.
· Patrick Ladbury was aware of the issue with the Royston announcements and will speak to residents to monitor the loudness.
· A weekend services go back to affordability and passenger numbers.
· A Flexi season ticket was introduced during Covid and this goes across the whole system. It is more likely changes will be made to that, rather than carnet tickets being re-introduced.
· The initial East Coast signalling update would first go to Peterborough and then Cambridge later.
· The reason for the closure of the Railway car park in Letchworth was because electric car charging points were being installed.
· Peak services were ... view the full minutes text for item 13