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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Room 116, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham B19 3SD

Contact: Wendy Slater, Senior Governance Services Officer 

Items
No. Item

115.

Apologies for absence

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alden, Andrew and Warren.

 

116.

Chair's Remarks

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

(i)              Councillor Elias Mattu

The committee observed one minute’s silence in memory of the late Councillor Elias Mattu, the serving Mayor of Wolverhampton City Council and former member of the ITA who had died in February following a long illness. Councillor Rowley expressed her sadness at his death and paid tribute to the former councillor and colleague. Councillors Hanif, Horton and Huxtable echoed Councillor Rowley’s comments.

 

(ii)             Councillor Gurcharan Sidhu

Councillor Horton informed the committee that Councillor Gurcharan Sidhu had recently retired from Sandwell Council due to ill health. The committee conveyed their best wishes to Councillor Sidhu.

 

(iii)            Farewell to Councillors Judith Rowley and Daniel Warren

The Chair informed the committee that Councillors Rowley and Warren would be leaving elected politics next month and expressed his thanks to both councillors for their work and in particular paid tribute to Councillor Rowley who had served on the former Passenger Transport Authority and Integrated Transport Authority as well as the current Transport Delivery Committee. Councillor Rowley thanked members and officers for their support over the course of 21 years and conveyed a special thank you to the Chair, Councillor Worrall, for his good support as Chair of the Passenger Transport Authority when she first became a member of the Authority. The committee expressed their sadness that Councillor Rowley was retiring but wished her well for the future. The Chair took the opportunity to thank all councillors who had served on the Transport Delivery committee this municipal year.

117.

Minutes of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 156 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2018 were agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

118.

Correspondence/Petitions

Minutes:

There were no petitions submitted at the meeting, however, Councillor Horton reported that Sandwell Council had not received a response in relation to a petition for the re-instatement of bus service number 50 and asked that Director of Integrated Transport Services ensure that a response is sent.

 

Councillor Hartley, Lead Member for Putting Passenger First, advised that a petition for the number 50 had been dealt with as part of the petitions process and was concerned that the outcome had not been communicated to Sandwell members of TDC.

 

The Director of Integrated Transport Services, Pete Bond undertook to investigate the matter and provide feedback to Councillor Horton.

 

The Chair asked that all TDC members be provided with a copy of the petitions process.

119.

Accessible Transport Report pdf icon PDF 365 KB

Presented By: Richard Mayes

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Area Manager- Transport Operations that provided an update on matters relating to Accessible Transport in the West Midlands, the performance of the Ring and Ride Service and progress with regards to bus service 89.

 

In relation to the independent review of Ring and Ride undertaken by consultants SYSTRA on behalf of Transport for the West Midlands, the Director of Integrated Transport Services, reported he was awaiting the final report from consultants and a copy of the report would be provided to all TDC members in due course.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Richards as to whether any progress had been made in finding a better location in Balsall Common for service 89, the Area Manager –Transport Operations, Richard Mayes, reported that this matter was ongoing as he was seeking to find a safe location for the health centre and passengers.

 

Resolved : That the report be noted.

120.

Metro Operations Business Report pdf icon PDF 218 KB

Presented By: Sophie Allison

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Metro Operations Manager that provided an update in relation to the performance, operation and delivery of Metro services in the West Midlands.

 

In relation to Metro patronage, Councillor Richards noted that whilst the fall in patronage from February 2017 to January 2018 could in part be attributed to the closure of Bilston Road, he enquired as to why weekend patronage had also shown a decrease during the same period.

 

The Metro Operation Manager, Sophie Allison reported that in addition to the Bilston Road closure which led people not to travel, she considered that the adverse winter weather had also discouraged people from travelling.

 

Councillor Davis reported of the need for the electronic information display screens on trams to show that Grand Central was the stop for New Street Station as people travelling outside of the West Midlands area would not be aware of this.

 

The Metro Operations Manager reported that Grand Central was shown as the stop for New Street on the TV screens on board the trams and also on line guides inside the tram but would look into adding the information to the scrolling message screens.

 

Councillor Horton, Lead Member for Rail and Metro, concurred with Councillor Davis.

 

Resolved: That the report be noted.

121.

Financial Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 218 KB

Presented By: Linda Horne

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Head of Finance and Business Planning that set out the financial position as at 31 January 2018 for the 2017/18 financial year that related to the financial position of the Combined Authority’s Transport Delivery Revenue and Capital Budgets.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Stanley regarding the cost of Bilston Road track replacement and when this would be due to be replaced again, the Head of Finance and Business Planning, Linda Horne, reported that the new track was expected to last 25-30 years.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the year to date net revenue expenditure for 2017/18 shows  

           a favourable variance of £5.0m compared to budget and a full

           year forecast variance of £5.2m following the final re-forecast of   

           the year be noted ;

 

2.     That the total capital expenditure to the end of January 2018 within the overall transport programme was broadly in line with budget, showing a 3 % variance (£1.7m) and

 

3.     That the treasury indicators are within the expected range and there are no issues to highlight be noted.

 

122.

Capital Programme Delivery Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 189 KB

Presented By: Sandeep Shingadia

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Director of Development and Delivery  that provided an update on progress monitoring on the approved TfWM led 2017/18 programmes and projects.

 

In relation to the Bradley Lane park and ride project and the status given as amber/ red as it was awaiting approval of additional funding to enable scheme progression, Councillor Rowley enquired as to the issues impacting on the project and timescales for delivery.

 

The Director of Development and Delivery, Sandeep Shingadia, reported that the project was no longer amber/red status and that colleagues were working through the leasing arrangements with Walsall MBC to enable delivery of the project this financial year.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the achievements since the January 2018 of the Transport Delivery Committee be noted;

 

2.     That progress on the deliverables under 2017/18 Capital Programme be noted;

 

3.     That the variations to the baseline programme as outlined in paragraph 4 of the report be noted.

123.

Air Quality Update Lead Member Report pdf icon PDF 285 KB

Presented By: Cllr Davis

Minutes:

The committee considered a report from the Lead Member Air Quality and Congestion Reference Group that provided an update on air quality.

 

Councillor Davis, Lead Member for Air Quality and Congestion, outlined the report which set out the key issues relating to air quality and the actions being taken forward by the Bus Alliance to assist with meeting air quality standards.

 

The committee discussed the impact of air pollution and the national policy context along with the regional policy context for improving air quality and noted that the issue of diesel vehicles needs to be tackled urgently by Government.

 

In relation to the National Productivity Investment Fund Projects listed in appendix 1 of the report, Councillor Stanley noted that £660k was allocated to Brierley Hill Strategic Centre and asked to be advised of how the money would be spent.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the issues relating to air quality be noted and

2.     That the actions being taken forward by the West Midlands Bus Alliance to assist with meeting air quality standards be noted.

 

 

124.

Sprint Lead Member Report pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Presented By: Cllr Huxtable

Minutes:

 The committee considered a report of the Sprint Lead Member Reference 

 Group that provided an update on the progress of the group.

 

Councillor Huxtable, Lead Member for Sprint, outlined the report.

 

In relation to comments from Councillors Linnecor and Richards regarding the consultation for Sprint and need to engage with the general public and stakeholders, Sprint Development Manager, Tom Skidmore, reported that public consultation would be undertaken later this year before the Outline Business Case was submitted to Government.

 

Resolved: That the progress to date with the work of the Sprint Member Reference Group be noted.

 

 

125.

Bus Business Report pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Presented By: Edmund Salt

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Network Development Manager the provided an update on matters relating to the performance, operation and delivery of bus services in the West Midlands.

 

In relation to the South Birmingham Review and the comment from Councillor Huxtable regarding the need to consult with all South Birmingham ward councillors on service changes, the Director of Integrated Transport Services advised that all the relevant councillors would be briefed on the service changes.

 

In relation to the National Express West Midlands £1 concessionary fare, Councillors Horton and Huxtable reported details of separate incidents where senior concessionary pass holders were charged the full adult single fare before 9.30am instead of £1 fare.

 

The committee considered that the £1 concessionary fare should be better promoted by National Express and bus drivers educated accordingly.

 

The Network Development Manager, Edmund Salt, reported that he would feedback this message back to the operator.

 

In relation to the Dudley area consultation that is being undertaken by National Express West Midlands on their bus services, Councillor Horton reported that Sandwell MBC Officers were not briefed as part of the consultation and noted that as a neighbouring authority any service changes could impact on Sandwell residents.

 

The Network and Delivery Manager, reported that the consultation was led by National Express who sent out details of the consultation in October via their website and publicised through a number of channels including a session with Dudley councillors, social media, printed materials in the Dudley area and via TfWM correspondence as well as emails to councillors with transport responsibilities in neighbouring authorities. National Express received 1,576 responses to their public consultation.

 

The Director of Integrated Transport Services acknowledged Councillor Horton’s comment that changes to the Dudley bus network would impact on services in Sandwell.  

 

Councillor Huxtable enquired whether TfWM could assist in relation to service number 5 which has been diverted by National Express as a result of the re-classification of a low railway bridge; this has resulted in the removal of double decker buses from the route despite buses being able to fit under the bridge.

 

The Director of Network Services reported that TfWM would be meeting all parties (Birmingham Highways, Network Rail and National Express) next week to look at a solution to the matter and he would provide feedback to Councillor Huxtable following the meeting.

 

Resolved : That the contents of the report be noted.

 

 

 

126.

Passenger Information Update pdf icon PDF 143 KB

Presented By: Denise Thompson

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Integrated Information Manager that provided an update on passenger information activity that included partnership working, bus registration changes, printed passenger information, digital passenger information and open real-time data.

 

Councillor Stanley reported that the Passenger Champions, Bus Users UK and other passenger representative groups should be recognised for their efforts in providing feedback on the network.

 

The Chair conveyed his thanks to the Passenger Champions et al for identifying issues on the network that help bring about improvements for customers.

 

Resolved: That the activities completed with respect to passenger information and the further progress being made towards all bus operator real-time information be noted.

 

 

 

 

127.

TfWM Infrastructure Update pdf icon PDF 147 KB

Presented By: Andy Thrupp

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Operations Manager (Customer Facilities) that provided an update on matters relating to the operation and enhancement of TfWM infrastructure.

 

Councillor Horton noted that the TfWM toilet facilities at West Bromwich were due to be refurbished and asked for an update to be given in relation to charging for toilet facilities.

 

The Operations Manager (Customer Facilities), Andy Thrupp, reported that there was an inconsistency to charging for toilet facilities, charges were payable at Wolverhampton and Stourbridge bus stations but not at Walsall and West Bromwich. He explained that the charge was to cover costs and was not a money making opportunity and that pay to use toilets provided a better customer experience than those that were free to use.

 

Councillor Linnecor considered that all TfWM toilet facilities should be free to use. Councillor Rowley concurred with Councillor Linnecor and considered free toilets to be a basic human need and a public health issue.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Huxtable as to whether Network Rail has stopped changing for toilet facilities at its stations, the Interim Director of Rail reported that Network Rail would not be charging for toilets at Network Rail stations from April next year.

 

Councillor Richards considered that West Midlands Leaders (WMCA) should determine whether a charge is made for TfWM toilets.

 

The Director of Integrated Transport Services reported that there were significant pressures on TfWM toilets as many local authorities had closed down public toilet in their towns. He added that further consideration would be given to the issue of charging for toilet facilities.

 

Councillor Horton suggested that TfWM might want to gather information on the matter from other areas of the country.

 

Resolved : That the contents of the report be noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

128.

Chiltern Railways & Virgin Trains Partnership Agreements pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Presented By: Tom Painter

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Head of Franchise Management that sought approval for TfWM to enter into Partnership Agreements with Chiltern Railways and Virgin Trains.

 

The Interim Director of Rail, Malcolm Holmes outlined the report that set out the structure of the new partnership agreements.

 

The Lead Member for Rail and Metro, Councillor Horton, added that governance arrangements would be confirmed shortly for both Chiltern and Virgin and a delivery plan would also developed by Virgin Trains (the delivery plan for Chiltern Railways was included with the report).

 

Resolved :

 

1.     That the contents of the report be noted and

2.     That approval be given for TfWM to enter into partnership agreements with Chiltern Railways and Virgin Trains.

129.

Tram Naming : Criteria & Considerations pdf icon PDF 120 KB

Presented By: Adam Harrison

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Principal Policy and Strategy Officer that provided recommendations for the criteria and policies for the naming of trams in the West Midlands.

 

The Lead Member for Rail and Metro, Councillor Horton, informed the committee that the report had been updated following circulation, to include more information on the status of the previously named T69 Tram fleet and advised the committee accordingly.

 

The committee endorsed the criteria for the naming of trams as set out in the report.

 

Councillor Huxtable suggested that a tram serving the Edgbaston Extension could be named after the first female councillor for Birmingham City Council, Dame Ellen Pinsent and similarly, considered a tram could be name after Councillor Judith Rowley for the Wolverhampton Centre Extension.

 

Councillor Horton, advised the committee that tram naming was not limited to naming trams after people as trams could be named after a charity or a locomotive (previously Tram 15 was named after Agenoria).

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the criteria for the naming of trams for the West Midlands as outlined in the report be agreed and

 

2.     That an action plan be developed for involving stakeholders and public relations in tram naming.

 

130.

Transport for the West Midlands - Annual Plan 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 90 KB

Presented By: Linda Horne

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Managing Director that set out a draft of the Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM) Annual Plan 2018/19 for consideration and comments.

 

It was noted that following consideration and approval by the Transport Delivery Committee, the TfWM Plan would be submitted as part of the WMCA Annual Plan to the WMCA Board in May for final approval before being formally launched.

 

Resolved: That the Transport for the West Midlands Annual Plan for 2018/19  be approved.

131.

Notices of Motion

To consider any notices of motion by the deadline of 12 noon on 5 April 2018.

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

None submitted.

132.

Questions

To consider any questions submitted by the deadline of 12 noon on 5 April 2018 for written questions and 12 noon on 6 April 2018 for oral questions.

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

None submitted.

133.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The committee considered a report on agenda items to be submitted to future meetings.

 

Resolved : That the report be noted.