·
Network
Rail
·
Transport
for Wales
·
British
Transport Police
Minutes:
NETWORK RAIL
Mr Sam Hadley, Wales Route Public
Affairs Manager, was welcomed to the meeting
Update on upgrading Barmouth viaduct
Key images
and facts were presented on the work completed
on the viaduct between September 2021 and December 2021. It was noted that the work had been challenging and physically difficult for the workers as the work was dependent on the weather.
In response
to a question if there was any of the original bridge left, it was noted that every effort
had been made to retain as much as possible of the original features and any
replacement was 'like for like'. It was added that the bridge was listed (Grade II) and every effort
had been made to ensure that the features were safeguarded.
ETCS (European
Train Control System)
It was reported that
the ETCS System used to control
train signals and speed would
be upgraded for the Class CAF 197 Civity fleet that would
be used on the Cambrian in the near future.
In response
to a question if the Cambrian line would
close over the period to upgrade the ETCS
system, it was noted that
the work was likely to be undertaken over the weekend and/or during another planned closure period to avoid any inconvenience.
Glandulas Project (Black Bridge) near Machynlleth
That erecting
the bridge over afon Dulas
had been very successful. The bridge had been erected one
metre higher to reduce the impact of flooding (the river level rose during
heavy rain and the Cambrian line had to close). Bearing in mind that
it was a fairly small investment, the impact was substantial - during recent rough weather
it was noted that the usual flooding had not stopped the Cambrian services.
Access for
all Programme
It was highlighted that
the programme improved access to stations and that stations
across the country were being considered
for improvements. For the first time this
year, it was highlighted that two Cambrian
stations had been included on the possible work schedule
- this was something that had not been seen before and
was encouraging news.
TRANSPORT FOR WALES
Gail Jones, Transport for Wales, was welcomed to the meeting to present an update
on the activities of
Transport for Wales.
Information about the new Class
CAF 197 Civity trains was presented
In response
to a question regarding seeing a model of the new carriages that an invitation to visit the new trains
had been organised in April 2022 with
a test run to Llandudno Junction. In response, it was highlighted that the visit dates in
April were during the period prior to the election and therefore
it was likely that these would need
to be re-scheduled.
Reference was made
to SGWRS, namely the Transport for
Wales on-line research community to share views on transport
in Wales with an opportunity to participate in surveys, on-line discussions and discussion fora to improve the service.
Concern was highlighted
that the new carriages had fewer seats with only
one toilet for two carriages.
It was added that the Cambrian was one of the busiest routes in Wales and the use increased year
on year. It was considered that offering fewer seats did not respond to the demand and therefore
it was formally proposed that consideration needed to be given to having 4 permanent carriages for a journey.
In response
to a comment regarding the lack of toilets on the new trains
and a reduction in the number of seats, it was noted that it had to be ensured that every element
was considered such as sufficient space for prams, wheelchairs,
bags, bicycles and the number of toilets.
Other matters
raised during the discussion
·
Llandecwyn
station bins - was it proposed to re-install these? Was this a matter for
the Council or for TFC? GJ to look
into this
·
Litter on the railway highlighted untidiness - there was a need for cooperation to improve the image
·
There was a need for better
cooperation between bus and train
time-tables to promote public transport
·
There was a need to consider the re-introduction of freight trains - in response
it was noted that the Mid
Wales Transport League had discussed
the possibilities and the
Senior NR Freight Manager
had mentioned a pilot scheme to look at this possibility - the Cambrian was suitable for this purpose. It was suggested that Jess Lippitt
(Senior Freight Routes Manager - Network Rail) should be invited to a future meeting to discuss general freight issues.
BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE
No representative
from the British Transport Police
was present to submit a report It was highlighted that no response
had been received from Inspector Karl Anderson. SH noted that only
a very small team now worked
for the Railway Transport Police. SH to send a new contact to LHE.
The officers
were thanked for the updates.