PUBLIC TRANSPORT
a) Introductory Comments (7.40 to 7.45pm)
Joan Hancox, Head of Sustainable Transport for Haringey Council, will introduce the debate, in particular referring to the Council’s Highways Plan for 2011 – 2012
b) Trains and Stations (7.45 to 8.00pm)
· Moorgate to Alexandra Palace: Presentation by Larry Heyman, Integration and Partnership Manager at First Capital Connect
· Proposed Network Rail Maintenance Depot at Coronation Sidings, Hornsey: Written update received from the Council’s Planning Service
· Gospel Oak to Barking: Written Update received from Mark Eaton, London Overground Rail Operations Limited
c) Buses (8.00 to 8.15pm)
· Planning and Commissioning of Bus Services : Written update received from Peter Howarth, Borough Relationship Manager at Transport for London
· Operation of Local Bus Services: An opportunity to ask questions to Bob Pennyfather, Commercial Manager at Arriva London.
d) Panel Debate (8.15 to 8.30pm)
An opportunity for residents to debate the issues raised with the various speakers.
Minutes:
Introductory Comments
Joan Hancox, Head of Sustainable Transport for Haringey Council, advised that the Council lobbied a range of transport providers on transport improvements in the Borough.
An investment plan was being developed for the next financial year that would set out the Council’s priorities in terms of transport improvements. Suggestions made by members of the public at Area Assembly meetings would be taken on board.
Trains and Stations
A presentation was given by Larry Heyman, Integration and Partnership Manager and Alison Drabwell, Senior Station Services Manager of First Capital Connect on issues affecting the immediate and wider north London area.
The Great Northern Route (GNR) formed a key arterial route into London Kings Cross and Moorgate stations and this ran through the following stations in the Borough:
Ø Alexandra Palace
Ø Hornsey
Ø Harringay
Ø Finsbury Park
A key area of concern for local rail users was insufficient capacity and seats for commuters. In order to address this six thousand five hundred additional seats had been added during peak times from 12 December 2010.
An additional service into Moorgate had been added during peak hours in the morning and the number of cars on this service had been doubled from the usual three to six cars. In the evening at peak times two of the services had also been doubled from three to six cars running out of Moorgate station.
The refurbishment of Kings Cross station continued and work to platforms and the main concourse would be complete by the end of January. The work would create additional capacity and ease overcrowding at the station and improve the interchange between the underground system, buses and St Pancras station.
In addition to physical improvements new ticket barriers would be introduced and the public information systems would be modernised. Station staff would also be provided with access to the most up to date information available with respect to departures and arrivals. First Capital Connects website would also be updated to include live departure information and line updates.
Provision for winter weather conditions had been an issue of concern for many residents and the company was putting measures in place to improve preparation for this. This included measures such as contingency timetables and improved de-icing fluid that was capable of working at lower temperatures. In addition employees were being provided with refresher training in winter service management.
The company acknowledged that staff shortages had led to the cancellation of some services during 2010 and in order to address a number of new drivers had been recruited. The first wave of new drivers would be in place by May 2011.
Following the presentation Mr Heyman provided a response to a number of pre submitted questions details of which are attached at Appendix 1.
Buses
A written update on the planning and commissioning of bus services had been received from Peter Howarth, Borough Relationship Manager, for Transport for London (TfL), which is attached at Appendix 2.
In addition Bob ... view the full minutes text for item 12