Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Format of the day and aims and objectives.

The Scrutiny Board met in Select Committee style to consider the following key lines of enquiry:-

1)  How can train connectivity support economic development and business growth in the city?

2)  How can we improve the bus service in the city?

3)  What are the key accessibility issues for public transport in the city, and how can they be addressed?

A number of outside representatives attended the meeting, gave evidence and responded to Members’ questions.

Notes from the meeting, providing details of the matters discussed, are attached as an appendix to these minutes.

The Scrutiny Board noted that a further informal meeting would be arranged to identify any actions and recommendations arising from this Select Committee and these would be presented to the Board at their next meeting for approval.

Appendix

Session 1 – How can train connectivity support economic development and business growth in the city?

The Board received a presentation from Toby Rackliff, Rail Strategy Manager, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) on rail transport and growth in the West Midlands. The presentation referred to the evolving geography of the West Midlands including the Combined Authority and was part of the Midlands Connect Partnership. Information was provided on the national picture highlighting that rail enhanced the productive potential of the economy by up to £11.3b per year. West Midlands rail passengers had increased by 135% since 2000 and over 70% in the last 10 years. The recent growth in passenger number for individual stations was also detailed  - for 2014/15 to 2015/16 Coventry had seen a 10.7% increase, Tile Hill 15.7% and Canley 19.4%. Growth in rail trips both in and out of the city were compared to the numbers for car and bus trips.

The presentation focussed on rail development proposals for 2016-21 as follows:

·  Longer trains and greater capacity on all franchise through the WMCA

·  Improved passenger capacity and capability at key stations including Coventry

·  Completing Midlands Rail Hub

·  New stations and local services to improve regional rail connectivity to maximise benefits of HS2 (including Kenilworth to Leamington)

Information was provided on how HS2 would release and facilitate improved connectivity, with journey times from Coventry station being highlighted. Midland Connect options were also detailed which included proposals for increased local services and additional freight between Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington and a Nuneaton flyover or drive under to facilitate direct and faster services between Coventry and Leicester.

The presentation concluded with short term options for improved network capacity and freight capability. 

A further presentation was provided by Malcolm Holmes, Programme Director, TfWW on West Midlands Rail Devolution. The presentation provided an understanding of West Midlands Rail Ltd, which was a partnership of Local Authorities including the WMCA. Directors were senior elected members and LEP representatives attended Board meetings.

The economic value of rail was highlighted with tens of thousands of people using rail each day to access jobs. Current problems with the existing system were set out and included local influence on rail  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

There were no additional items of public business.