Agenda item

a)    Updates from TfL Actions arising from last meeting

Michelle Wildish (TfL)

Ø  Update on Overground performance

b)    Extension of Oyster to Reigate

Michelle Wildish (TfL)

c)    GTR Passenger Benefit Fund

Yvonne Leslie (GTR)

d)    Croydon and Windmill Bridge Junction (Untangling the tracks)

Ian Plowright (Head of Transport, Planning and Strategic Transport)

e)    Update on Access for All bids – Selhurst, Coulsdon South, Reedham, Waddon, West Croydon and Norwood Junction Stations

Yvonne Leslie (GTR), Michelle Wildish (TfL) & Ian Plowright (Head of Transport, Planning and Strategic Transport)

f)      West Croydon Station Signage and Crossing

Michelle Wildish (TfL)

g)    Staff Training on Wheelchair Ramps Stations

Yvonne Leslie (GTR) & Michelle Wildish (TfL)

a)    Updates from TfL Actions arising from last meeting

Ø  Update on Overground performance

Performance had been steady with some variation not producing any identifiable trends. There had been better performance in April, but this had likely been due to decreased demand. Some trains had been struggling due to increased demand. Since the timetable had changed, the service had been better with less disruption from signals.

The Chair requested whether figures could be shared, as cancellations, congestion and some early terminations had been noticed. The TfL representative agreed to request these and share them with the Panel.

The Head of Transport shared that they had taken a train which skipped their station, going on to New Cross Gate. This had resulted in a higher fare and seemed to be a fairly common occurrence. The TfL representative stated that more in depth data would be shared at an upcoming Scrutiny meeting.

b)    Extension of Oyster to Reigate

There was a possibility of Oyster being extended to Reigate, and plans were already in place to expand to include Hertford North, Welwyn Garden City, Luton Airport Parkway and Epsom.

The East Surrey Transport Committee expressed frustration on behalf of Reigate College students commuting from Croydon who could not use their Oyster cards, and suggested money from the GTR Passenger Benefit Fund be used to implement the extension.

c)    GTR Passenger Benefit Fund

The Head of Transport stated that there would be a council response to this, and that the chosen method for distributing the funds seemed odd. The East Surrey Transport Committee representative agreed, and noted that it would be better to use the money on the network in general instead of individual stations. Some stations needed improvements, but would not be included as they were not GTR.

The Chair stated that the funding allocation had been submitted in a written response (appended to these minutes).

d)    Croydon and Windmill Bridge Junction (Untangling the tracks)

The Head of Transport updated the Panel regarding the Croydon and Windmill Bridge Junction and explained that a new Network Rail project named “Unblocking the Croydon Bottleneck” focused on the improvement of the Brighton mainline, tackling the congestion caused in the “Selhurst Triangle”, the junctions north of East Croydon, and through East Croydon station.

It was noted that a key element to the project was to improve the capacity constraints in Norwood Junction; the proposal was to rebuild platforms, introduce an additional track and ensure the station was fully accessible by introducing a bridge with a lift. The feedback from the first public consultation had been positive.

In response to the Panel, the Head of Transport explained that through engagement with Network Rail regarding the bridge, there would be ongoing forward planning for the traffic, pedestrian access, cycle routes and bus routes that may be affected by the work. He assured the Panel that it would be a large project, which had not yet received funding, and that the Panel would be informed of any updates.

e)    Update on Access for All bids – Selhurst, Coulsdon South, Reedham, Waddon, West Croydon and Norwood Junction Stations

The next round of bids for Access for All would be in four years, and would follow the same criteria. West Croydon had not met the criteria for TfL to raise a bid as it was already considered step free.

Bids for Norwood Junction and West Croydon made by the council and Network Rail had been unsuccessful. A development plan for West Croydon would be worked on in conjunction with TfL and Network Rail.

f)      West Croydon Station Signage and Crossing

The Chair stressed the need for improved signage around the step free access. The London Trams representative informed the Panel that the signage had been amended, but agreed if this was not noticeable then this was a problem; support would be needed to change signage on the highway.

The Mobility Forum representative asked whether new signage could detail the services on each platform, and heard that the signs should not be too specific in case of service changes or disruption. The East Surrey Transport Committee representative noted that there was no step free access on Sundays, or after 19.00.

The TfL representative had visited the crossing recently with Vision Zero, and it had been established that a crossing route needed to be established to stop people crossing wherever they liked. A zebra crossing could not be installed over the tram track, and a signaled crossing would need more research. At a minimum, additional signage would be installed, and TfL would collaborate with the council to encourage people to use existing crossing points.

The Head of Transport informed the Panel that previous work on a signal crossing had not proceeded, but that they were glad TfL had been looking at a solution.

g)    Staff Training on Wheelchair Ramps Stations

The East Surrey Transport Committee representative claimed that one of the GTR contractors had not been trained to assist with wheelchairs at stations.

The Chair had been made aware of problems by emails from a resident, and informed the Panel that a written response from GTR would be included with these minutes (appended).

The TfL representative stated that all staff were trained to assist with wheelchairs and that it should be a turn up and go system. The Head of Transport asked how the systems linked up, having seen various results in different areas. The East Surrey Transport Committee representative informed the Panel that Network Rail had to phone the station where the service user wished to alight to inform them; the message did not always seem to get through.