Issue - meetings

There will be a presentation on this item

Michelle Scogings – Network Rail – gave a presentation to the Panel which covered the following:

·  West of England: electrification and upgrade

·  West of England: deferrals

·  West of England: deferrals explained

·  West of England: deferrals map

·  Passenger benefits

·  Additional benefits

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Butters asked the target date for lengthening the platform at Bath Spa and if the class 165 turbos are going refurbished. Michelle Scogings (Network Rail) explained that the designs for the platform at Bath Spa station have been developed and submitted. She explained that the 165 turbos are being refurbished but to ask GWR for details.

Councillor Goodman explained that he is on the joint scrutiny for the West of England and stated that the Panel should reinforce to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Clarke that pressure should be put on the Government to prioritise electrification. Councillor Bull asked what reason Network Rail was given for the delay – the Network Rail representative explained that some of the deferral of money will help develop Bristol East and the developing capacity is developed first and then wires go up – this is the most efficient way to do it. The non-visible enabling work is being done. Councillor Hale asked if the electrification will be done by 2019 – the Network Rail representative explained that the control period (funding cycle) is 2019-24 so it will be during that time.

It was RESOLVED that the Panel will write to Ministers (Christ Grayling and Paul Maynard) to keep up the pressure for electrification.