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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

151.

Apologies for absence

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Andrew and Linnecor.

152.

Chair's Remarks

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed Councillors Keith Allcock (Sandwell MBC) and Celia Hibbert (City of Wolverhampton Council) as observers to the meeting; both councillors would formally be joining the committee from the next meeting.

 

The Chair, Councillor Worrall, reported that this was his last meeting as he would be replaced by Councillor Ditta as the Labour Group representative for Walsall MBC on Transport Delivery Committee for the new municipal year.

 

Councillor Worrall expressed his appreciation to colleagues, officers and all parties who had supported him during his two years as Chair. He also expressed his sadness that Councillor Hanif would not be returning to the committee as Dudley MBC had decided not to appoint in accordance with a proportional system of governance.

 

The Majority Vice-Chair, Councillor Davis, thanked Councillor Worrall for his leadership, good humour, support and for chairing the committee. He added that it was a personal pleasure working with Councillor Worrall, noting that he was a great campaigner and thanked him on behalf of all the committee for his work.

 

The Opposition Vice-Chair, Councillor Huxtable, endorsed the comments made by Councillor Davis, thanked Councillor Worrall for his impartiality in chairing the meetings and for introducing a proportional system of governance which he hoped would continue so the committee could work together for better transport across the West Midlands.

 

The Managing Director of TfWM, Laura Shoaf thanked Councillor Worrall on behalf of the WMCA and team at TfWM for all his work and conveyed her thanks to all councillors who would not be returning to TDC for the new municipal year and added that the Mayor would also like to say thank you to the Chair.

 

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, joined the meeting at this point in the proceedings to convey his thanks to Councillor Worrall and expressed his appreciation on behalf of the WMCA for Councillor Worrall’s hard work.

153.

Minutes of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 May were agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

154.

Matters Arising

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

(i)              Matters Arising (Minute no.137 refers)

In relation to finding a better location for service 89 in Balsall Common, Jon Hayes, Head of Network Delivery advised Councillor Richards that the matter was still on-going and he would continue to keep Councillor Richards updated on the matter.

 

(ii)             Bus Alliance Update (Minute no. 144 refers)

In relation to Councillor Lal’s enquiry as to whether an area bus ticket for Birmingham could be introduced, it was agreed that that the Head of Network Delivery would explore the matter with National Express.

 

(iii)            Rail Business Report (Minute no. 145 refers)

In relation to the Virgin Partnership Agreement, Councillor Horton, Lead Member for Rail and Metro, advised the committee that dates are still to be agreed for partnership meetings.

    

(iv)           Bus Rationalisation – Next Steps (Minute no. 146 refers)

In relation to a review being undertaken of the Pershore Road and a request from Councillor Huxtable to receive a briefing note on the matter following the outcome of the review, Councillor Hartley, Lead Member for Putting Passengers First, asked that the briefing note be considered by the Lead Member Reference Group for Putting Passengers First in the first instance as she had raised the issue.

155.

Clarification of National Express West Midlands' consultation process on network reviews pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Presented By: National Express

Minutes:

The committee considered a report from National Express that was submitted to provide clarification of the company’s consultation process on network reviews.

 

Ali Bell, Head of Communications, National Express, presented the report and explained the reasons why National Express would not accept petitions from the public or councillors that are subject to a live National Express West Midlands (NXWM) consultation process.

 

Councillors Horton and Welsh reported that they are obliged to pass on a petition to the company that relates to National Express bus services if received from members of the public and reported of the need for National Express to explain the consultation process they are undertaking to councillors.

 

The Director of Integrated Transport Services, Pete Bond, reported that the process outlined was a National Express petitions process and did not affect TfWM’s process on petitions as TfWM would continue to liaise with bus operators and seek their response as part of the process.

 

Councillor Richards considered that questions asked as part of consultation process should be clear and should not mislead the public in anyway.

 

In relation to a comment from Councillor Huxtable regarding the need for TfWM to take into account the accessibility of a service and have advance knowledge of the issues concerned, the Director of Integrated Transport Services advised that when a network review is undertaken, TfWM does take into account the service provision around the network.

 

In relation to the petitions process, Councillor Alden enquired as to the most accessible way for members to have their say on a review and also considered consultations need to be more accessible for people.

 

Ali Bell, National Express, concurred with Councillor Alden and the comments made that general reviews produce vague/general responses and there needs to be clear and agreed channels of communications that are accessible to people. Additionally, she considered the company would need to talk to those individuals who are struggling to submit a response.

 

The Chair reported that this was topic that required further discussion and proposed that National Express attend a pre-TDC policy briefing session.

 

Ali Bell, National Express, agreed to the proposal.

 

Resolved: That National Express be invited to attend a pre-TDC policy briefing to discuss their policy regarding the petitions and consultation process on network reviews.

 

 

 

 

156.

Metro Operations Business Update Report pdf icon PDF 213 KB

Presented By: Sophie Allison

Minutes:

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

 

The Metro Operations Manager, Sophie Allison, introduced Anthony Stanley from National Express Midland Metro and reported that it was the lasting meeting the company would be attending as Metro would be operated by Midland Metro Limited from 24 June 2018. The Metro Operations Manager expressed her appreciation to Anthony Stanley and National Express Midland Metro for their work and support over the years on behalf of TfWM.

 

The Lead Member for Rail and Metro, Councillor Horton conveyed his thanks to all Metro staff at National Express on behalf of TDC members.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Davis regarding driver availability and whether TfWM envisaged there would be any issues as the network expanded, the Metro Operations Manager advised that recent staffing difficulties related to long-term sickness but following a recent recruitment exercise undertaken jointly with National Express Midland Metro, it was expected the posts would be filled shortly.

 

In relation to the recent delays caused to Metro due to the delay in repairing the overhead lines, Anthony Stanley, National Express reported that consideration was being given to putting service level agreements in place with contractors moving forward.

 

With regards to a comment from the Chair regarding the work being undertaken by rail operators on suicide prevention and whether Midland Metro would also focus on this area, the Metro Operations Manager reported that Midland Metro could work with the WMCA’s Mental Health Implementation Director and undertook to look into the matter.

 

Councillor Horton, Lead Member for Rail and Metro, thanked Anthony Stanley and Sophie Allison for presenting the report.

 

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.

157.

Midland Metro Conditions of Carriage pdf icon PDF 169 KB

Presented By: Phil Hewitt

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Metro Operations Manager that sought approval of the proposed Conditions of Carriage for Midland Metro Limited.

 

It was noted that on 24 June 2018 Midland Metro Limited would commence the operation of Midland Metro tram service, under the terms of the public service contract awarded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and new Condition of Carriage would come into effect on this date to reflect the change of operator.

 

The Metro Programme Director, Phil Hewitt reported that there no material changes to the Conditions of Carriage ; approval was required in advance of the operator Midland Metro Limited commencing operation.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the contents of the report be noted and

2.     That the proposed Conditions of Carriage for Midland Metro Limited be approved

 

 

158.

Presentation : Metro Public Service Contract

Presented By: Phil Hewitt

Minutes:

The Metro Programme Director, Phil Hewitt presented an overview of the public service contract for Midland Metro Limited.

 

The presentation outlined how Midland Metro Limited would operate, the public service contact, the PSC contractual structure and its key features including specifications, performance, payments and network development.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Stanley as to when Midland Metro Limited could expect to be in a profit position, the Metro Programme Director advised that he envisaged profits would be realised within 2-3 years but this could be earlier dependent on front end costs. He added that he hoped Metro would be carrying around 30 million people when the network is fully expanded and is up and running.

 

The Chair thanked Phil Hewitt for his informative presentation.

159.

Midland Metro Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension Update pdf icon PDF 105 KB

Presented By: Phil Hewitt

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Metro Programme Director that provided and update on progress with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension.

 

The Metro Programme Director, Phil Hewitt, outlined the key aspects of the report.

 

In relation to the remaining 18 objections to the draft Transport and Works Act Order which are being negotiated with the relevant parties, Councillor Stanley reported that he would be happy to help in this matter so that the objections could be progressed as quickly as possible.

 

The Metro Programme Director thanked Councillor Stanley for his offer of assistance and undertook to contact him if required.

 

In relation to the project risk that relates to Network Rail, notably the level of passive provision required for future rail use and the request for more information on the matter, the Chair proposed that the matter be discussed in detail at a Rail and Lead Member Reference Group meeting.

 

The Metro Programme Director confirmed that he was happy to attend such a meeting to report on this item.

 

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.

 

 

160.

Customer Services Performance Report pdf icon PDF 223 KB

Presented By: Sarah Jones

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Head of Customer Services that updated them on matters relating to the performance of the Customer Relations and Ticketing Teams which included changes to the Customer Services delivery arrangements, Customer Contact performance, ticketing performance and future developments.

 

The Head of Customer Services, Sarah Jones, outlined the report and referred to the creation of two new teams; the Ticketing Services Team that brings together all activities related to the customer’s ‘ticketing journey’ and the new Customer Relations Team to deal with all non-ticketing related customer contact so that the teams could provide dedicated and specialist support in these areas

 

Councillor Hartley, Lead Member for Putting Passengers First, added that the teams have moved into a new office suite on 4th Floor in 16 Summer Lane and it would be good for a small group of members to see the new teams in action.

 

Resolved: That the report be noted.

161.

West Midlands Cycling Charter Progress pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Presented By: Hannah Dayan

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Cycling and Walking Development Manager that provided an update on progress with the West Midlands Cycling Charter Action Plan.

 

The Cycling Charter Coordinator, Hannah Dayan, outlined the report focusing on the Cycling Charter Action Plan.

 

Councillor Akhtar reported of the need to work more with schools to encourage children to use bicycles more in order to embed cycling as mode of transport for future generations.

 

Councillor Richards reported that he supported increasing cycling and walking but considered work was needed to get the balance right on cycling measures as ill- conceived cycle routes could create congestion and cause an increase in air pollution resulting in poor public perceptions of cycle routes.

 

Councillor Alden noted the issue of safety for cyclists and the need to use canal tow paths more.

 

The Chair considered that a connected cycle network was required across the West Midlands in order to get people to change their travel habits.

 

The Cycling Charter Coordinator thanked members for their comments and reported that an integrated approach was being undertaken to link cycling with other transport modes, to Metro and Sprint schemes for example, where consideration is being given to the planning of journeys around routes and the infrastructure that would be needed.

 

Resolved: That progress to date with the West Midlands Cycling Charter Action Plan be noted.

 

 

162.

West Midlands Stations Alliance Update pdf icon PDF 184 KB

Presented By: Toby Rackliff

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Strategic Lead, Rail Policy Manager, West Midlands Rail that provided an update on recent progress with developing the West Midlands Stations Alliance concept between Network Rail, West Midlands Railway and the West Midlands Rail partnership of local authorities (which includes WMCA and its constituent authorities).

 

The Strategic Lead, Rail Policy Manager, Toby Rackliff, outlined the report which included the issues the West Midlands Stations Alliance (WMSA) concept was seeking to address, the reasons for the concept of WMSA and the WMSA Station Master Planning Pilot.

 

Councillor Davis reported that he welcomed the report but sought assurances that Network Rail had named individuals committed to taking forward the West Midlands Stations Alliance.

 

The Strategic Lead, Rail Policy Manager confirmed that Network Rail has shown commitment to WMSA and undertook to provide Councillor Davis with the names of Network Rail Officers involved outside of the meeting.

 

 Resolved:

 

1.     That the recent progress with developing the West Midlands Stations Alliance concept between Network Rail, West Midlands Railway  and the West Midlands Rail partnership of local authorities be noted;

 

2.     That progress with the pilot stations master planning work which has been undertaken at local stations on the Stour Valley and Chase Lines be noted and

 

3.     That the proposed next steps of the West Midlands Stations Alliance and Station Master Planning workstreams be noted.

163.

Park and Ride Update pdf icon PDF 194 KB

Presented By: Babs Spooner

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Head of Park and Ride that provided an update relating to the delivery and development of park and ride sites in the TfWM area since the committee considered the previous report on 9 October 2017.

 

The Head of Park and Ride, Babs Spooner, outlined the report and informed the committee that she was part of a new specific Park and Ride Team of two which also included the Park and Ride Development Manager, Guy Craddock, supported by the wider TfWM Team to take forward the various workstreams.

 

Councillor Huxtable reported that he welcomed the setting up of the Park and Ride Team but would have liked to have seen more progress on some of the park and ride projects. 

 

In relation to the funding approach to park and ride, Councillor Huxtable noted that the management and operation of car parks is partially funded by West Midlands tax payers via the levy and proposed that contributions are sought from other district authorities such as Warwickshire and Worcestershire councils towards the operational costs and enquired whether the Swift card could be considered as means of charging non-West Midlands residents for parking at TfWM park and ride sites.

 

Councillor Stanley commented that the report did not refer to park and ride for Coseley Station and reported that research has been undertaken locally  on possible sites for expanding park and ride in the area and undertook to provide the Head of Park and Ride with further details on the matter.

 

The Head of Park and Ride undertook to meet with Councillor Alden regarding park and ride for Erdington.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the current status of development for Park and Ride expansion schemes be noted;

2.     That the significant amount of activity that is underway on how Park and Ride is developed and delivered be noted and

3.     That progress with Longbridge Park and Ride where charging will be introduced on opening from next Spring be noted.

164.

Notices of Motion

 To consider any notices of motion by the deadline of 12 noon on 7 June 2018.

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

None submitted.

165.

Questions

To consider any questions submitted by the deadline of 12 noon on 7 June 2018 for written questions and 12 noon on 8 June 2018 for oral questions.

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

None submitted.

166.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 65 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.