WHARFEDALE RAIL
USERS’ GROUP
Wharfedale Line: Northern Rail Franchise Aspirations
1. Performance Targets
The Wharfedale and Airedale lines are
operated by modern rolling stock with a self contained service pattern and
should be able to achieve more demanding performance targets than the current
global franchise targets. We therefore seek that:
1.
The punctuality target should be raised to achieve 96% on time or within
five minutes.
2.
The reliability target should be improved to 99.5%.
3.
Seats should be available for all passengers, except
between Guiseley and Leeds at peak periods when a loading of 20% in
excess of seating capacity may be planned.
4.
Published specific standards are set for train cleaning, to ensure that
trains enter service fully cleaned and that on train light cleaning and litter
removal is given between peaks.
2. Investment for growth and
reliability.
The growth in passenger numbers has
not been matched by investment in additional trains or infrastructure capacity.
The Yorkshire and Humber Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) should address these
issues; we would argue that it should deliver the following outcomes:
1.
An enhanced train and resources plan to relieve current overcrowding and
provide for longer term forecast peak demand, which also meets our improved
targets for performance and passenger comfort. In our view, this requires a
minimum peak service of six trains at roughly 15/20 minute frequency to arrive
at Leeds between 0730 and 0900 and depart between 16.50 and 18.35. Provision of
a peak hour through train between Baildon and Leeds via Guiseley should be
considered, subject to infrastructure improvements.
2.
The infrastructure improvements necessary to support the enhanced train
plan, which at a minimum should include improved signalling between Guiseley and
Ilkley to permit 4/5 minute headways and possible platform lengthening at
selected stations.
3.
A capacity study of the routes between Apperley, Esholt and Dockfield
Junctions to determine the optimum layout to meet longer term growth and improve
reliability.
4.
Improved information and control systems to allow better recovery from,
and timely information to passengers about, major delays and incidents.
3. Train service
The Line enjoys a generally well
planned and effective timetable, but this needs major enhancement to reduce peak
hour overcrowding (see Item 2 above) and adjustments to match extended working
hours, changing demands at weekends and better connections for London.
1.
Standard journey times should be no greater than 29 minutes to/from
Leeds, and 32 minutes to/from Bradford.
2.
Present basic weekday pattern of two trains per hour to/from Leeds and
Bradford should be maintained, and arranged to give as close as possible an even
interval service between Ilkley and Guiseley. Half-hourly service from Leeds to
be extended until 21.00 hours: last train from Leeds to provide connection from
London no earlier than the present 20.30 departure.
3.
An earlier first departure is required from Ilkley to Leeds SX to give a
London arrival before 09.00. On Saturdays, two trains per hour to Leeds/Bradford
required from Ilkley from 07.00.
4.
On Sundays, Bradford-Ilkley frequency should be hourly, in the first
instance during the summer period to test loadings: consideration should also be
given to increasing frequency to Leeds to half-hourly during shopping hours
(10.00-17.00). Earlier first departures are required from Ilkley and Leeds to
give connections at Leeds into 09.40 departure to London, at Shipley into first
Settle and Carlisle departure and at Ilkley into first Dales Bus departures.
5.
Timetable should be planned to maximise connections at Shipley, primarily
for passengers making journeys between Baildon and Leeds, but also for those
travelling between Wharfedale and Airedale line stations.
6.
Any additional rolling stock should have at least the performance and
passenger comfort specifications of the current four car Class 333.
7.
To maintain the speed advantage of rail and prevent further overcrowding,
additional stops should not at this stage be introduced at the proposed new
Kirkstall Forge station.
4. Station Facilities
There has been welcome investment in
stations over the last few years, but more is required to provide a clean, safe
and welcoming approach to passengers. We therefore seek that:
1.
Ticket Offices and/or Ticket machines should be adequate to cope with
peak demand at all stations, with machines on each platform where access between
platforms involves steps. Improved maintenance of ticket machines to reduce out
of service frequency. Pre-paid, smart card and remote ticketing systems e.g.
home printing should be developed.
2.
All stations should have enclosed and heated waiting shelters, high
intensity lighting and monitored security CCTV and public phones for rail
service information and emergency use.
3.
Effective barrier systems, using smart-card technology with high-flow
capacity should be considered for Leeds and Bradford Forster Square. These and
more effective on train tickets checks would assist in prevention of ticketless
travel.
4.
Clear signage of station facilities is provided. Up to date local bus
information and taxi phone numbers to be clearly displayed at stations.
5.
Regular cleaning is provided for buildings, waiting areas and platforms.
Provision of effective rubbish containers, and their regular emptying, should be
a priority.
6.
At busier stations, consideration should be given to increasing the hours
at which the station is staffed. This is particularly applicable at Shipley, for
evening interchange.
5. Accessibility issues
The Group expects the franchisee to
provide good access for elderly, disabled and encumbered passengers at all
locations and on all trains; this includes
1.
Ramps on all trains.
2.
Proper signage of location of level access.
3.
Easy well graded access between platforms at all stations
4.
Appropriate high resolution
screens and effective PA systems.
6. Car Parking
There is a serious shortage of
parking spaces at all stations on the Line, exacerbated by the lack of proper
bus connections. Solutions are likely to require considerable investment because
of the lack of adjacent available land. The Group wishes to see a specific
development programme agreed between the franchisee and Metro to create extra
capacity and enhance safety and security.
At the same time, encouragement
should be given to walking and cycling to stations, which would require a modest
investment in safe walking routes and increased cycle storage at stations.
7. Integrated transport
An area where, despite valiant efforts in the past, there is considerable
scope for improvement.
1. The
existing Menston-Otley bus link should be enhanced to serve the areas of Otley
north of the Wharfe, new bus links introduced linking Baildon station with the
upper town, within Ilkley itself and linking Ilkley to Addingham and upper
Wharfedale. All
these services should be specifically timed to connect with trains, able to wait
for limited periods in the event of late running and have simple through
ticketing arrangements.
2.
New ticketing systems (see 4.1 above) should ensure that through
ticketing is available between train and rail-link buses and vice-versa.
3.
A combined local bus and rail timetable should be available for
Wharfedale, giving better publicity for leisure and tourism travel.
4.
Increased capacity for cycles on train should be provided when current
rolling stock becomes due for major overhaul or replacement.
Wharfedale Rail Users' Group: July
2008
Peter Johnson
Hon Secretary,
Email: PJHonSecWRUG@aol.com
www.wrug.ilkley.org