Severn Tunnel Action Group update

[whole diary]

[Lee]

Severn Tunnel Action Group press release :

Talks with First Great Western lead to more trains and better support for Severn Tunnel Junction

First Great Western consider STAG^▸ (Severn Tunnel Action Group) as the most effective consumer action group they^ve come across

Plans agreed for future improvements


Last week First Great Western assured the Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG), who represent the interests of rail users from Severn Tunnel Junction, that a service would be added when this May^s timetable comes into place. The additional train promised is that which currently leaves Bath at 18:35, and Bristol Temple Meads at 18:54, arriving at Severn Tunnel at 19:15.

First Great Western commented that Severn Tunnel was the only station in the First Great Western Severn-Solent region getting an extra train at this time. They added that it was only because STAG had put such a strong case for its^ re-instatement.

Following the withdrawal of most trains destined for Portsmouth Harbour in December 2006, First Great Western lost thousands of passenger journeys from Lydney and Chepstow. Apart from the re-instated commuting services that STAG campaigned for, there are now no reasonable connections between the Bristol line and Gloucester line services.

This last December Bath commuters were hit by further timetable changes, and only following strong representations did STAG win a couple of concessions. The added service from May is principally designed to help those Bath commuters, and late shoppers, get home without a delay and having to change trains at Bristol Temple Meads.

Since STAG won back trains lost in the December 2006 timetable cuts, they have gone on to encourage further developments such as:

The car park has recently been fully surfaced with lane markings, and there is now improved security with new and better lighting

The County Council has passed a 2008-2009 budget allocation of ^99,000 to be spent on infrastructure improvements

Further additional train services have been added including a direct link via Gloucester to Cheltenham Spa, additional services to Bath and Bristol, and a promise of three additional Cross Country services on the Nottingham route from next December.

First Great Western are currently providing a coach for commuters who may not be able to get on the 07:55 to Bristol each morning. This has been since maintenance and refurbishment forced FGW^▸ (First Great Western) to replace the usual three car set with only a two carriage train, and Next year Network Rail will be re-opening Platform 4 at the station.

Commenting on the talks John Pockett, First Group^s General Manager in Wales, said that STAG had put forward such a strong case that they had wanted to add another train going to Bath in the morning, unfortunately Network Rail have turned this down.

Phil Inskip, Chair of STAG^s Technical Committee, said of the talks ^We put such a strong case that First Great Western have invited some of our representatives to meetings with other Action Groups for us to share the logic that is proving so effective in driving improvements at Severn Tunnel Junction.

Philip continued ^Our vision is for a Park and Ride Station on this site and with all the modern buildings and facilities that such a station would be expected to offer. We have a ten year plan and First Great Western support this concept! Next month we speak with local Assembly Members and Jessica Morden (MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) for Newport East), David Davies (MP for Monmouth) and Mark Harper (MP for the Forest of Dean) about how we can work together to make Severn Tunnel the transport hub of South East Wales^.

At the end of the talks both sides know what is needed to develop Severn Tunnel Junction. Along with STAG, the First Group are committed to providing whatever support they can so long as it is commercially viable.

[John R]

I seem to recall STAG^▸ (Severn Tunnel Action Group) has attracted a fair bit of criticism on these forums, and the complaints of those commuting to Bath affected by the December changes were dismissed by some. So it's nice to see that they have achieved their objective, and got a stop introduced from May. Let's hope there are still some commuters left to use it.     

[Lee]

Latest press release from Severn Tunnel Action Group :

Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor - Latest NR^» (Network Rail - home page) Route Plans

As you know we still wait for Mon C.C. to make a Cabinet decision regarding Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor, and in the absence of the backing by the County Council, First Great Western are not prepared to commit much further and we are reaching the limit of what they are prepared to do at this time - quote " until /when the station is developed as a Park and Ride".

However events continue to overtake the Council's decision making process. Following the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) announcement that STJ^▸ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station) is one of the stations to be evaluated / funded by the DfT for disabled access, I now enclose extracts from last March and the latest October Network Rail Rote Plan 13.
You will note that Magor now no longer appears in the text and Severn Tunnel Junction now appears with proposed passenger facilities and car parking.

Extract from March 2007 Network Rail Route Plan 13 - GW^▸ (Great Western) Main Line

SEWTA (the South East Wales Transport Alliance) is a consortium of ten unitary authorities, which works in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, Network Rail and transport operators towards the development of transportation strategies for the region. During 2005 a strategic review of SEWTA rail policy commenced in order to create a framework for future investment over the period 2009-2018. New stations at Magor with Undy, Llanwern, Coedkernew and St Mellons are proposed. A new station at Llanharan is under construction, and is due for completion in time for the start of the December 2007 timetable.

Extract from October 2007 Network Rail Route Plan 13 - GW Main Line

Facilitated by the Newport Area Signalling Renewal (NASR) we plan to upgrade Pilning goods loops to passenger status with increased linespeeds and greater operational flexibility for routes through the Severn Tunnel. Relief Line speed increases between the Severn Tunnel and Cardiff will improve reliability by creating additional capacity for both freight and local passenger services, freeing up the main lines for higher speed services. This also facilitates the development of a new station on the relief lines between Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport, as proposed in the SEWTA rail strategy. We also propose to upgrade Severn Tunnel Junction station by re-instating of the fourth platform and improving passenger facilities and car parking.
.

Also for information discussion continues with Andrew Griffiths regarding the additional trains, the 18:35 from Bath which is agreed from next May and the 08:30 from Cardiff that has been blocked by Network Rail.

Further information from Andrew indicates that the problem is actually at Salisbury where there would be a clash if the service ran a minute or two later.

Provisionally Alan and I are booked to meet FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Head of Train Planning on 13th March. There is still hope as our research shows that the 09:30 has a two minute 'recovery' - actually designated as 'Extra time for Pathing Requirements' that does not appear for the existing 08:30 or for that matter the 10:30 and following services.

I would have expected this to appear for all the non stopping Portsmouth services as they are all timetabled to leave Cardiff five minutes after the up HST^▸ (High Speed Train) and also to leave Newport five minutes after the HST.

According to the latest Network Rail 'Rules of the Plan - 2009 Timetable' the headway between Newport and STJ is four minutes, and through the Severn Tunnel itself it is seven minutes. This means with the service timetabled to follow five minutes behind the London service it needs to loose two minutes before entering the tunnel (2 Minute Extra Time for Pathing Requirements). Based on examination of the 06:30 and 07:30 that both stop at the Junction, the stop adds a total of 2 1/2 minutes based on the Working Timetable times through Pilning.

Thirty seconds stands between us getting the services or not. Something I think is worth continuing to fight for.

[Lee]

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 4th March 2008 at 8.00pm at the Tippling Philosopher, Chepstow Road, Caldicot.

[Lee]

Notes from the First Great Western Stakeholder Conference 2008
Bristol 26/02/08

1. 08:55 Cardiff to Portsmouth - Bristol Turnaround.
1.1. Took opportunity to use the 08:55. It was the refurbished three car 158 set. It was about a minute late from Severn Tunnel Junction.
1.2. Forty two Passengers joined, which shows that the long period of overcrowding and disruption has limited the growth in demand. Based on the general growth trends and the surveys last June should be around fifty by now.
1.3. Eleven standing in centre coach on departure from Severn Tunnel Junction, indicating similar number standing (Approx. 30) from Survey last June.
1.4. About thirty seconds late leaving Filton Abbey Wood. Delayed at Bristol East waiting Platform.
1.5. Arrived Temple Meads a minute and a half late. Despite Guard chatting to colleague on the Platform, the train left on time exactly at 09:22.
1.6. Advised by First Great Western there is a minimum requirement of five minutes for turnaround at Bristol. The Public Timetable shows four minutes for the Portsmouth services.
1.7. The service actually turned round in two and a half minutes, despite being the busiest and most heavily loaded morning service. This is useful practical information for our meeting with First Great Western timetable team on 14th March.

2. Conference
2.1. As Name Badges only had name and not organisation, also wore the STAG Name Badge, which worked well in gaining introductions and raising profile.
2.2. Took opportunity to talk to as many First Great Western Managers / Directors as possible.

3. Andrew Haines - First Great Western Chief Operating Officer -
3.1. Confirmed details in recent press notice. It appears that First Great Western proposed that instead of a fine for the failure to meet the Contractual arrangements, they proposed to invest more than the level the fine would have been directly in improvements which was agreed by DfT^» (Department for Transport - about), hence the ^29m. The contravention was level of cancellations too high and also failure to report correct levels. Pointed out First Great Western realised that they had failed to correctly report and advised DfT of their failing.
3.2. Other comments - Genuine passion for improvement, Putting Customer first (Same as comments by Charles Howeson at Exeter) not just delivering to contract minimum but going above it where customers concerned, Real Engagement, re-investing in the business.

4. Ian Hudspeth - Councillor Oxfordshire County Council
4.1. They have a Rentabike scheme - uses swipe cards to release and take the bike as per the schemes in France. In view of the proximity of our cycling paths, once we have the station developed under way suggest Ian would be a good contact to vist / follow up on bike schemes.
4.2. Have found Community Rail a real success, in Oxfordshire the County Council has supported groups in setting up. (Mark Youngman said he would investigate interest).

5. David Ward - Route Director Western Region , Network Rail
5.1. Developing joint improvement plan with First Great Western.
5.2. First modular station has been built in Kent, took six weeks to build, intention is to reduce this timescale.

6. Stuart Baker - Divisional Manager Network Rail Projects Department for Transport
6.1. High demand for long distance high speed services to London.
6.2. Reading has become a significant destination onit's own. (Interestingly based on last 12 months statistics it is the eighth most popular destination from Severn Tunnel Junction following Bristol, Cardiff Newport Bath, FAW, Chepstow and London).
6.3. Reading proposal is now for fly under rather than fly overs, taking the main lines on a new route through part of the site of the Diesel Depot giving a grade separation form the Berks & Hants and Arriva Cross Country services. Intention is to have additional platforms to allow parrallel moves on the down to avoid blocking back awaiting free paltforms that happens regularly now. (I have a note in my diary that the PWI [Permanent Way Institute] have a talk on the Reading Remodelling at 12:00 in theGW Hotel Exeter on Tuesday 2nd April) The present plan for Reading has a benefit cost ratio of 71 !!!!!! I have never heard of a scheme that has got into double figures, reaching 3 is good!
6.4. DfT will be publishing for consultation in May a plan for the next ten years for First Great Western.
6.5. Replacement for HST^▸ (High Speed Train) consider it as an EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) with integral Power source for when not under the wires. Will be in longer 260m and shorter 130 m configuration. Anyone interested I believe the invitaion to tender is in the public domain on the DfT site.
6.6. Question on allocation of the published additional rolling stock not coming our way. Response going to highest need locations throughout the country. If want more need to convince the Treasury.

7. Malcolm Drury has taken over as Route Director West; He will be based at Bristol.
7.1. Suggest I wait for response from Catherine Glanville regarding meeting with John Curley.

8. James Burt - First Great Western Customer Services Director -
8.1. In discussion, the subject that Charles Howeson mentioned at the Exeter Conference of having a member of First Great Western staff at stations such as Cardiff was raised. Recounted the problems I had seen there and the way Central (Arriva Cross Country) managed quicker turn round by cleaning and ticketing before arrival at the departure platform. He will pass on suggestions. Subsequent discussion with Rowland Pittard of Railfuture the only limiting factor may be the water Bowsers. Does anyone know where Arriva Cross Country top up their water tanks, I do not recall seeing this at Cardiff? Jim do you know as it is obviously a factor in turn-round time.

9. Dave Beynon - Bridgend Council
9.1. In discussion he said he was not going to the next First Great Western Cardiff - Portsmouth Meeting and that Mark Youngman was going instead.
9.2. As part of response on other matters to Mark have re-iterated STAG's position and that SEWTA formally fully backed us in the official response to First Great Western timetable consultation.

10. Philip ?Dredge? - Ivybridge Users Group
10.1. Andrew Griffiths introduced me to Philip, I need to go back to Andrew as we never had time to exchange full contact details.
10.2. In Ivybridge a Private Taxi Company runs a circular 'Hail and Stop' service that runs on a regular timetable basis and goes round the Housing Estates, Shops and the station. The Council does not need to financially support this.
10.3. The User Group has involved local school in Art Decoration at the station to get involvement / ownership. (This reminded me of discussion with Colin James about Newport that had School art displayed in the Buffet)

11. Peter Morris - First Great Western & Arriva Customer Panels
11.1. Discussed and he re-affirmed what Katharine Fenn (First Great Western Customer Panel) had said that he would raise items with Arriva Trains Wales for us as he is on their Customer Panel as well as the First Great Western Panel. Thanked him for offer and said we would be in touch if required but at present are liaising direct with Mike Vaughan and Rachel Woodsford.

12. Tim James - Welsh Assembly Government Head of Rail
12.1. Expected to meet up with Tim to agree revised date for our meeting. He should have been there I had seen his badge when I arrived, but he did not show. Will follow up with him in a week or two if I have not heard back by then.

13. Ian Murray - President Railfuture
13.1. Diuscussed and commented that he considered STAG's approach of engaging the politicians was exactly the correct approach to get further with the Cardiff - Portsmouth services. He again offered to help us in any way if we need it.

14. Mark Hopwood - First Great Western Performance Director -
14.1. Discussed with him the KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) on the number and quality of connections at timetable change that I had suggested to Charles Howeson. Charles had passed to Mark for consideration.
14.2. He is not going to introduce the proposed KPIs. He felt it was too complex and there are too many connections to put in place a practical system to produce KPIs. First Great Western are concentrating on their PPM^‡(resolve) at present.
14.3. He said that owing to another commitment with Andrew Haines he would not now be able to join Alan and me at the timetable meeting next week as he had told Alan at the Taunton conference.
14.4. He said he would be happy to come and discuss any particular issues. - David I think it would be worthwhile inviting him to meet STAG and cover the items we have on connections in our Presentation.

15. Andrew Pennington - First Great Western Head of Train Planning
15.1. Introduced myself and explained what we wanted to achieve at the timetable meeting next week, namely to understand the process and the relationships between TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) and Network Rail in the process.
15.2. I said we had copies of the National Rules of the Plan and also copies of the Midlands (G. Western) Rules of the Plan - 2009 Timetable, and also access to Rules of the Route documentation.
15.3. He is aware we want to talk about the 08:30 from Cardiff.
15.4. In discussion he was talking about the differences between times in the Published Passenger Timetable and the Working Timetable. I said we had the PB volume but had hoped to have had sight of the PC volume prior to the meeting to understand the Bristol Temple Meads issues better.

16. Andrew Griffiths - First Great Western Regional Manager, Central Severn & Solent
16.1. Discussed and said David would be contacting him regarding Colin James role within the group.
16.2. Explained we were looking at growing both the local outwards and and also incoming tourist trade.
16.3. Asked who would be the best contact for Colin and he said that initially him, would later be other First Great Western staff that deal with Community Rail Groups.

17. Julie Boston - FoSBR^» (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways - site)
17.1. Approached as the Severn Beach line have a pathing clash with Arriva Cross Country and were looking for a contact in Arriva Cross Country.
17.2. Have send contact details and suggested approach.

[grahame]

Thanks for posting that Lee  - makes useful reading.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Yes, it does ...

I'm becoming a bit of a fan of Andrew Haines: I think he's the right man for the job of turning FGW^▸ (First Great Western) around, and I'd like to see him being given a chance to produce those results!

[Lee]

From Severn Tunnel Action Group :

Stakeholder Consultation
Arriva Trains Wales - Held meeting with Arriva Trains Wales at Newport Station (12th February) and gave presentation to Rachel Woodsford and Mike Vaughan (Hurley). Lee Hodges who will be covering Rachel's maternity leave was unable to attend, met him near the end of the meeting. Raised various local issues such as signage etc. Have asked Arriva to come back on the issues raised after they have had time to consider. Notes of meeting circulated to STAG members.

First Great Western - Have received from Anne-Marie Delrosa Marketing Manager First Great Western copies of two of the presentations from the Community Partnership Conference in Exeter. Copies sent to Stag members.

First Great Western - Further to suggestion from Katharine Fenn First Great Western Customer Panel have contacted (13th February) John Curley First Great Western Route Director (West) to ask if he will meet with STAG re our proposals for the Station Development and the Cardiff - Portsmouth service. Awaiting reply.
First Great Western - Booked to attend the official Stakeholder Consultation meeting in Bristol on Wednesday 5th March.

Arriva Cross-Country - Contacted Richard Gibson (3rd February) to ask when we would be able to meet Managers. Response Cross-Country is finalising their Stakeholder Relations Team and will contact again shortly. If there is anything important, to let him know in the interim.

DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) - Received consultation document on the NATA Refresh, copied to STAG members for comments to enable response in March. This document consults and seeks views on the key issues that need to be addressed within DfT^s New Approach to Appraisal (NATA) transport appraisal guidance. It is being published alongside the Transport Strategy document and forms part of the analytical work in response to the Eddington and Stern Reviews.

DfT - Have attended the seminar arranged by the DfT for Thursday 21st February at Great Minster House, DfT Central, London to focus discussion on Wider Economic Benefits in Transport Appraisal, associated with the 'New Approach To Appraisal (NATA) Refresh' document that has been circulated for consultation. Notes have been circulated to STAG members.

ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) - Obtained copy of proposed revision to the Land Disposal arrangements, copy circulated to STAG members for consideration. Formal response sent 21st February agreeing to proposals subject to being able to register with Network Rail. Also requested general list of consultees extended beyond Passenger Focus and Community Rail Partnerships to include Constituted User or Interest Groups that have expressed the wish to be consulted on Land Disposal Issues.

ORR - Request (26/10) to ORR for the Arriva Cross Country Franchise agreement advised it is still not yet in the public domain. Contacted Raj Chana (24th January) the Public Register Manager at DfT and he has advised their web page will be refreshed in April and they hope to add this onto the web-site at that stage.

ORR - Advised of latest Land disposals - nothing listed affecting Severn Tunnel Junction.

Passenger Focus - Received from Simon Pickering the proposed sale of land at Godfrey Road Newport to allow development of Newport station. The proposals will allow the finalisation of the new Platform 4 with Booking Office and new car park on the Godfrey Road side and Bus Station on the other side of the station. (Note Sale is not publicly listed at present by the ORR - have asked about this, awaiting response)
Network Rail - Will need to send request to register as a Stakeholder Group with regard to the new Land Disposal arrangements if they go ahead.

Welsh Assembly Government - Attended with Jim Jenkins the 'Consultation on Proposals for a Public Transport Users' Committee for Wales in Newtown on Friday 1st February. Backed option of retaining Bus users UK^▸ (United Kingdom) and Passenger Focus rather than the abolition and inclusion within the new Committee. Made contact with Barclay Davies for any Bus issues.

Welsh Assembly Government - Attended the Wales Spatial Plan Update Consultation in Cardiff (28th February). Notes to be circulated. Met Ren^e Martin, who works for WAG^» (Welsh Assembly Government - about), she was involved in the development of the Welsh Assembly Government Transport Appraisal arrangements. I have copies of the various sections of the DfT 'WEB-Tag' transport appraisal guidelines, but none of the WAG equivalents. Advised the Welsh Assembly Government version 'WEL-Tag' is in Draft but is effectively being used. The WEL-Tag is not in the public domain yet but she has promised to send a copy of the draft. Receipt awaited.

Community Railway Schemes
Copies of the Network Rail and also the Department for Transport information on Community Rail obtained and passed to STAG members.

Received advice from Mark Youngman (Transport Policy Officer Mon CC) that Community Rail Partnerships need not be located on community rail designated lines. Community Rail Partnerships are good at doing the local and wider promotion of the railway, that for whatever reason TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) cant do. He will pursue to see what enthusiasm there is in official circles. Awaiting further advice.

Colin James is taking on the role of lead committee member for Marketing, Schools and Community Partnership.

Have received a questionnaire from First Great Western regarding the next conference in June. It is being passed to Colin to reply. Response required by 4th March so will have to be sent in advance of next STAG meeting.

Meeting arranged with Claire Evans of the Forest of Dean Tourism Officer for Friday 28th March to develop proposals. Roni Maher (Deveras) Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourist Association contacted but will be unable to attend owing to clash with other commitment, has asked to be kept informed of progress etc.

Timetable Issues
Cardiff - Portsmouth -.
Letter sent by Mark Harper MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) to First Great Western MD regarding loss of commuting services to Bath from Severn Tunnel Junction from Dec 2007, requesting re-instatement in line with STAG proposals for re-instating Portsmouth services. Reply received and is identical to reply received by David Davies MP that has previously been circulated to STAG members.

Letter sent 5th December by Mike German AM to Anthony Smith Chief Executive of Passenger Focus pointing out the "Mainline they Shouldn't Ignore" Rail Passenger Committee report recommended the service pattern that withdrew the Portsmouth services. Suggested the report overlooked some of the serious implications and suggested a review was needed. Response received from Passenger Focus.

Letter sent 6th December by Mike German AM to First Great Western MD regarding loss of commuting services to Bath from Severn Tunnel Junction, requesting re-instatement. Letter pointed out that it is/was the Portsmouth services that provide connections with the Gloucester line services at the Junction. Reply received and is identical to the reply to David Davies that has already been circulated to STAG members.

Have received confirmation that the 18:35 from Bath will once more call at Severn Tunnel Junction from the May timetable, but that First Great Western's request for the 08:30 from Cardiff to call has been rejected by Network Rail. Have asked First Great Western (13th February) if we can talk with their Timetable staff prior to approaching Network Rail to investigate what would be needed to enable this service to call. Have received offer from First Great Western to meet with their Head of Train Planning in Swindon on the afternoon of Thursday 13th March, Alan is negotiating to see if this can be made Friday 14th March.

Following the meeting with First Great Western, David Flint prepared a Press Release based on the meeting and advice of additional service to be provided in the May Timetable.

Following meeting with AMs at Welsh Assembly Government have sent (10th February) to Mohammad Asghar AM a copy of our Timetable Consultation response on the Service Level Commitment. He asked for a copy so he could raise the issues with Ieuan Wyn Jones Plaid Deputy First Minister responsible for transport.

Following meeting with AMs at Welsh Assembly Government, John Griffiths AM issued a Press Release on the items raised.

Since the start of January First Great Western have provided a coach to take the overflow of passengers who could not physically get on the 07:55 Bristol service while operating as only two car pending return of refurbished three car set. Took this option (30th January), coach arrived at Bristol Temple Meads at 09:12, fifty four minutes after the booked arrival time of 08:18 for the train it was covering. Demonstrates use and strength of rail service over road in the congested rush hour.

Press release that First Great Western are leasing five class 150 sets from Arriva Trains Wales to release 158 sets to be split and refurbished to provide 3 car sets for the Portsmouth service to relieve overcrowding throughout the service.

Other FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Services - Have prepared a suggested Press Release outlining the improved service possibilities from Severn Tunnel Junction to London and Birmingham. With David Flint for consideration.
Pocket Timetable - Have asked First Great Western to include contact details for STAG in the back of their Pocket Timetables in the section on Rail User Groups. This has been accepted and should appear in the May Timetable.

Cross Country Commuting services - No change.
Arriva Trains Wales - Introduced as a trial for one week from the 4th February a through service departing Chepstow at 07:15 to Shrewsbury via the Heart of Wales. Travelled on service, usage -approx. 7 from Chepstow, 5 from Caldicot and 4 from Severn Tunnel Junction. Impression most were commuters to Newport / Cardiff that had arrived early for following service. Loading light from Cardiff, increasing to about one third from Llanelli. Loading increased along the line with only about three seats not taken by departure from Knighton.
Car Parking

Awaiting advice from Mon CC regarding their liaison with Arriva Trains Wales and NCP on getting an acceptable turning provision for busses at the station. Mark Youngman has advised that he was writing to Arriva on the subject. Have asked Rachel Woodsford to consider face to face meeting with Mon CC and NCP in order to thrash out a mutually acceptable solution, rather than just sending 'position' letters. Jessica Morden MP has now offered to bring the parties together to try and resolve the disagreements.
Station Development and Trackside Issues

Severn Tunnel Junction - Still awaiting formal outcome of Workshop on future of Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor. Community Council (Portskewett) and MP (David Davies) have asked to be advised as soon as any information made public. Have given interim response that Dave Harris Mon CC had asked that nothing is said about the outcome of the Workshop until ratified by Cabinet. Repeated Dave Harris, no response, contacted Bob Greenland advised that they do not have a Cabinet decision because of the need to consult more widely. The area committee and Community Councils need to be included before a Cabinet decision. David Davies MP has been asked if he can assist in finalising this issue.

Latest issue of the Network Rail Route Plan 13 - GW^▸ (Great Western) Main Line now includes item regarding Severn Tunnel Junction. Network Rail proposes to "upgrade Severn Tunnel Junction station by re-instating of the fourth platform and improving passenger facilities and car parking."

Received advice that Severn Tunnel Junction is one of forty stations included within the DfT ^370m "Access for All" programme that funds the redevelopment of station infrastructure to provide step-free access from the station entrance to platforms. In addition a range of more accessible facilities, such as improved lighting, hearing induction loops and passenger information screens are included in the overall fund. Network Rail will undertake surveys over the next 18 months to identify actions to be taken.

Newport Platform 4 - Raised again with Rachel Woodsford (12th February) that during heavy rain water flows across the floor of the Waiting Shelter soaking any luggage etc. Also asked again (12th February) if the 2/5 train stop could be repositioned so that the Severn Tunnel Junction trains would stop under the protection of the awning rather than all but the last door being exposed to rain etc.

Have also e-mailed Colin Bray (8th February) on this topic, as he was involved in the signalling alterations associated with the development of platform 4. Colin has responded by forwarding (15th February) to Brian Baralos. Awaiting response.

Caldicot Platform - Extension of platform to accommodate 4 x 20 metre rolling stock almost complete. Network Rail is repositioning Signal N190 as part of Newport Resignalling during 2009.

Llanwern Station - No further information.

Ebbw Vale - Service started Wed 6th Feb except Cross Keys and Llanhilieth. First trains 6.40 from Ebbw Vale and from Cardiff. There are problems of overcrowding on the four car trains already.
Other liaison Issues

Following quick discussion at Exeter Community Rail Conference have sent e-mail to Charles Howeson the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Great Western suggesting the need for a Key Performance Indicator to measure the effect of connections when timetable changes are made. Response received proposal is with the high level experts in the Performance Directorate and he will come back to us after they have considered it.

Offered Charles Howeson to come to our next committee meeting. Unable to attend but has asked that we 'please keep asking'.

Following Exeter Community Rail Conference have been contacted by Julie Boston of FOSBR^▸ (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) regarding further information of the way we operate as a User Group, using presentations and argued cases for the items we are campaigning for.

Attended lecture in Westminster (11th February) by Richard Bowker of National Express. Latest coaches now have a lowest Carbon Footprint of only 29 g per passenger kilometre. (C.f. average 50 for rail, 160 for car and 250+ for air).

Have e-mailed (4th February) Alan Preest a councillor at Lydney in attempt to make contact with rail users there. Awaiting response.

Have contacted (14th February) Bob Turner who is interested in rail use at Lydney. Along with Jim Jenkins met with him in Chepstow on Tuesday 19th February. Notes of meeting circulated to STAG members.

Have registered to attend Dr John Walker's lecture in Cardiff on Tuesday 4th March on Road Pricing and Congestion Charging, will not now be able to attend as STAG meeting dates clash.
Next SEWTA meeting is 10:30 am, 14th March 2008, Ferrier Hall, City Hall, Cardiff. Colin has agreed to attend with me as if the First Great Western timetable meeting is arranged for the same afternoon in Swindon, will have to slip away early to get to it.

Received Firstline - First Great Western November - December 2007 Stakeholder Newsletter. Nothing of significant interest. Article on introduction of selective door opening.

Met Jez Hattosh-Nemeth a Senior lecturer at University of Wales and commuter on the 08:25 to Bristol. He intends to come to next meeting and is interested in getting more involved with STAG.

Attended (6th February) with David Flint, Jim Jenkins and Simon Pickering at the Welsh Assembly Government Cardiff. Gave presentation to AMs (John Griffiths {Labour}, Mohammed Asghar {Plaid}, Mike German {Liberal} & Nick Ramsey {Conservative} Part time only).

Agreed cross party letters will be sent to DfT and also call meeting with SEWTA. Have seen letter sent to First Great Western signed by six AMs - John Griffiths, Mike German, Mohammed Asghar, Nick Ramsey, William Graham, and Jocelyn Davies.

Following meeting with AMs need to send John Griffiths a list of questions regarding economic and housing development in the area. This information is needed to create case for improved rail services as suggested by Andrew Griffiths FGW.

Contacted by Jessica Morden MP to ask if STAG would like to meet Jim Fitzpatrick a government Transport Minister who was visiting Newport on Tuesday 12 February. She suggested we should give our presentation to him and follow with a site visit to the station. In event circumstances changed and meeting could not be arranged.

Meeting with Tim James on Tuesday 14th February in Cardiff has been postponed awaiting new date for meeting.

A meeting and presentation was held on Wednesday 27th February for a cross party discussion with Members of Parliament (Jessica Morden MP, David Davies MP and Mark Harper MP) at Portcullis House, Westminster, London. David Flint, Paul Tidmarsh, Jim Jenkins, Simon Pickering also attended. Meeting was to agree tactics for ensuring that the DfT are aware of the importance of connections, of Severn Tunnel Junction in planning timetable changes for next December, and any other future rail plans affecting South East Wales and the Forest of Dean.

A meeting has been arranged by Travel Watch South West in Taunton on Saturday 1st March. Alan and Alexander Vickers have registered to attend.

There is a talk by Andrew Mac Naughton of Network Rail on 'The 2030 Railway'. The meeting is open to visitors without pre-registration. Venue is Kings Hotel Newport at 17:30 for 18:00 start. Meeting is organised jointly by Permanent Way Institute and Institution of Railway Signal Engineers.

Infrarail exhibition at the NEC^» (National Exhibition Centre - about) 11th March have registered to attend but will depend on domestic commitments.

Have registered and been accepted to attend a one day seminar on Transport Appraisal at Royal Institute of Architects in London on Thursday 27th March. This covers NATA and should help in forming official response to the NATA Refresh consultation that will need to be sent within a day or two of the seminar.

Asked by local Community Councillors about update on progress, suggest we should make arrangements to visit all the Community Councils we gave initial presentations to, Only needs to be a 'five minute' update without presentation.

Meeting with Ieuan Wyn Jones Plaid Deputy First Minister responsible for transport has not yet been arranged. Now considered unlikely will be able to arrange.

[Lee]

Inserting a stop at Severn Tunnel Junction in the 0830 Cardiff-Portsmouth service (link below.)
http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/gw/StagTR200.doc

Reliability experiences (link below.)
http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/gw/StagTR202.doc

Also, the next STAG^▸ (Severn Tunnel Action Group) meeting will take place on Tuesday 1st April 2008 at 8.00pm at the Tippling Philosopher, Chepstow Road, Caldicot.

[John R]

You have to hand it to the group, they are very thorough in their research, though maybe one day's observations at Salisbury is not enough.

[Jim]

At Westbury - the TRTS^▸ (Train Ready To Start. A plunger/switch pressed by platform dispatch staff that informs the signaller that a train is ready to depart.) button needs to be pressed on all FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Local services as the box got fed up of having to reset the signals because of no crew. Some guards don't relise they need to do it, on platform 1. On the BAth direction, even after the button is pressed, there is a minute wait due to the Barrow Crossing (unless P3).....

[Graz]

^ I have been stuck at Westbury P1 on a number of occasions and heard the conductor and driver exchange once..."What's happening?" "This one is self-dispatch."

Whilst I actively support STAG^▸ (Severn Tunnel Action Group) in their campaign for better STJ^▸ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station) services, in my opinion I do feel their claim of a 2.5 minute turnaround at Bristol TM^‡(resolve) is rather too ambitious. I have rarely seen a busy Cardiff-Portsmouth service train ready to depart at this time. The sheer volume of people leaving and joining at BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) pushes it beyond that time especially if it's a short working. It also leaves little time for the recovery of delays.

[John R]

^ IWhilst I actively support STAG^▸ (Severn Tunnel Action Group) in their campaign for better STJ^▸ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station) services, in my opinion I do feel their claim of a 2.5 minute turnaround at Bristol TM^‡(resolve) is rather too ambitious. I have rarely seen a busy Cardiff-Portsmouth service train ready to depart at this time. The sheer volume of people leaving and joining at BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) pushes it beyond that time especially if it's a short working. It also leaves little time for the recovery of delays.

I don't think their argument is that 2.5 minutes is adequate, or that they propose it. One thing that suprises me is that a 0829 departure from Cardiff is not considered. The headways should be adequate as far as STJ, particularly with the extra platform at Newport. But again, maybe the rules stipulate 5 mins minimum?

[Lee]

An update to the above update from Severn Tunnel Action Group :

Stakeholder Consultation

Arriva Trains Wales - Held meeting with Arriva Trains Wales at Newport Station (12th February) raised various local issues such as signage etc. Notes of meeting circulated to STAG members. Have asked Arriva to come back on the issues raised after they have had time to consider. Sent reminder to Rachel and Lee 16th March, awaiting response.

First Great Western - Further to suggestion from Katharine Fenn First Great Western Customer Panel have contacted (13th February) John Curley First Great Western Route Director (West) to ask if he will meet with STAG re our proposals for the Station Development and the Cardiff - Portsmouth service. Reply received from Catherine Glanville PA^▸ (Public Address) to John Curley to set up date. Have received a further update from Catherine stating that as Malcolm Drury has recently been appointed as the new Route Director for the West Region she has therefore forwarded our exchange of correspondence to Malcolm, in the hope he will contact direct. Awaiting response

First Great Western - Attended the official Stakeholder Consultation meeting in Bristol on Wednesday 5th March. Notes of conference circulated to STAG members.

Arriva Cross-Country - Contacted Richard Gibson (3rd February) to ask when we would be able to meet Managers. Response Cross-Country is finalising their Stakeholder Relations Team and will contact again shortly. If there is anything important, to let him know in the interim. Still awaiting contact.

DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) - Received consultation document on the NATA Refresh, copied to STAG members for comments to enable response by end of March. No comments yet received form any STAG members

ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) - Request (26/10) to ORR for the Arriva Cross Country Franchise agreement advised it is still not yet in the public domain. Contacted Raj Chana (24th January) the Public Register Manager at DfT and he has advised their web page will be refreshed in April and they hope to add this onto the web-site at that stage.

ORR - Advised of latest Land disposals - nothing listed affecting Severn Tunnel Junction.

Passenger Focus - Received from Simon Pickering the proposed sale of land at Godfrey Road Newport to allow development of Newport station. The proposals will allow the finalisation of the new Platform 4 with Booking Office and new car park on the Godfrey Road side and Bus Station on the other side of the station. Replied to Simon, response also sent by David Flint.

ORR - Contacted to ask about above Land Sale Consultation at Godfrey Road as it does not appear on public list for consultation. Advised "Network Rail has not formally made an application to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) but we have been briefed on the scheme and we understand that Network Rail are in the process of consulting stakeholders with a view to making a formal submission to ORR shortly".

Passenger Focus - Received from Simon Pickering (5th March) details of the questions asked by Mohammad Asghar at the National Assembly plenary on the 27th February raising points from the recent meeting he had with STAG regarding the funding of development of the station. Response from Andrew Davies that it would be up to SEWTA to come forward with proposals.

Passenger Focus - Received from Simon Pickering (14th March) latest copy of Passenger Focus Newsletter.

Network Rail - Will need to send request to register as a Stakeholder Group with regard to the new Land Disposal arrangements if they go ahead.

Network Rail - Raised with the RUS^▸ (Route Utilisation Strategy) team the implications of the proposed changes that the consultation on the revised Wales Spatial Plan may bring, in particular if it results in increased frequency of services to Chepstow. Response form Mike Tedstone no real problems regarding route capacity but obviously it is a franchise issue.

Welsh Assembly Government - Attended the Wales Spatial Plan Update Consultation in Cardiff (28th February). Notes circulated to STAG members 3rd March. Ren^e Martin, who works for WAG^» (Welsh Assembly Government - about) has sent (29th February) a copy of WelTAG Version 5 (still officially in Draft).
Welsh Assembly Government - Meeting with Ieuan Wyn Jones Plaid Deputy First Minister responsible for transport has been arranged for 15:30 Tuesday 6th May.

Parliament - Jessica Morden is looking to see if she can arrange a meeting for us with Tom Harris Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Railways, awaiting details.

Community Railway Schemes

Received advice from Mark Youngman (Transport Policy Officer Mon CC) that Community Rail Partnerships need not be located on community rail designated lines. He will pursue to see what enthusiasm there is in official circles. Awaiting further advice.

Colin James has taking on the role of lead committee member for Promotions (Marketing, Schools and Community Partnership).

Press release by David Flint sent 9th March announcing Colin's appointment.

Have received a questionnaire from First Great Western regarding the next conference in June. Has been sent to Colin to reply. Response sent and copy sent to David Flint.

Meeting arranged with Claire Evans of the Forest of Dean Tourism Officer for Friday 28th March to develop proposals. Roni Maher (Deveras) Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourist Association contacted but will be unable to attend owing to clash with other commitment, has asked to be kept informed of progress etc.

Colin is arranging meetings with Community Councils and Chamber of Commerce, Colin to update details.

Timetable Issues

Cardiff - Portsmouth -.

With Alan Vickers met with Andrew Pennington First Great Western Head of Train Planning in Swindon on the afternoon of Friday 14th March. Andrew Griffiths and Mark Hopwood while originally hoping to be there were unable to attend. Identified that there is a two minute Recovery time allowance on the approach to the Tunnel that is not specifically identified in the Working Timetable. It appears that while Recovery times for Engineering, Pathing and Performance are separately identified in the Working Timetable, the 'Adjustment Recovery Times' while added to the computer programme, do not appear in the printed Working Timetable. Suggested that the two minute 'Pathing Recovery Allowance' should be clearly shown in the Portsmouth services instead of the hidden 'Adjustment'. Effectively the stop at the Junction adds a total of thirty seconds compared with those that do not stop because of the two minute Pathing allowance on the approach to the tunnel. It is this thirty seconds in the overall two hour twenty minute journey that is preventing the 08:30 from Cardiff stopping at Severn Tunnel Junction.

It was explained that to keep the full 'Performance Recovery Allowance' at Bristol as proposed in the Network Rail 'Rules of the Plan', an additional thirty seconds would cause a confliction at Salisbury with an existing timetabled movement. As a result the proposal to re-instate the stop that used to be in the service prior to December 2006 was rejected.

Following the meeting, David Flint prepared a Press Release based on the meeting and advice of additional service (18:35 from Bath) to be provided in the May Timetable.
The following working day went to Salisbury to identify the total traffic movements. Identified that the conflicting movement is an empty stock used for route refresher. As this waits for ten minutes in the platform before departing and returns to wait another seven minutes before moving on, have requested First Great Western (18th March) ask again for the 08:00 to call in the December timetable by making a minor timing change to the empty stock movement. Received response this will be passed to the train planners to consider.

Identified potential reliability issues on the trip to Salisbury, sent details (24th March) to First Great Western for information / consideration.

Keith Palmer, a passenger, contacted STAG through website re loss of Portsmouth services, David Flint has responded (6th March).

Received from Mark Youngman Mon C. C. who represented SEWTA at the Cardiff - Portsmouth working group. First Great Western's first priority was to get back to the operation of a 3-car railway and deal with other associated performance issues to have blighted the whole route since the franchise came into operation. They did think a solution to the stopping patterns required on services radiating from Bristol ^ either towards Cardiff or east to Westbury, was through the addition of an extra Bristol urban stopping service between Cardiff and Westbury. Effectively providing a twenty minute service over that section allowing the fast Cardiff-Newport-Bristol-Bath-South Coast service to remain an express service. There are no timescales for the suggestion.

Other FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Services - Have prepared a suggested Press Release outlining the improved service possibilities from Severn Tunnel Junction to London and Birmingham. With David Flint for consideration.

Pocket Timetable - Contact details for STAG should appear in the back of the May Pocket Timetable in the section on Rail User Groups.

Cross Country Commuting services - No change.

Arriva Trains Wales - No change.

Car Parking

Awaiting advice regarding the liaison between Mon C.C., Arriva Trains Wales and NCP on getting an acceptable turning provision for busses at the station. Mark Youngman has responded, he is looking to hold a meeting with ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) and NCP in the first two weeks after Easter. Jessica Morden MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) has offered to bring the parties together to try and resolve any disagreements, awaiting update.

Station Development and Trackside Issues

Severn Tunnel Junction - Still awaiting formal outcome of Workshop on future of Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor. Community Councils have asked to be advised as soon as any information made public. David Davies MP has been asked if he can assist in finalising this issue. Having asked Mark Youngman what we can politically say when we meet the Community Councils he has responded " My answer to that would again be that Severn Tunnel Junction will remain open and be served by the existing level of train service. Whilst there has not yet been a formal decision on a new station at Magor, that would always have been further subject to external funding through the Regional Transport Plan process. The Newport Area Re-signalling and work at Severn Tunnel Junction seeing the re-introduction of platform 4 will pre-date that." STAG members should note for any meeting with or questions from the Community Councils.

12th March 17:55 Cardiff to London HST^▸ (High Speed Train) called at Severn Tunnel Junction albeit 78 minutes late.
Newport Platform 4 - Raised again with Rachel Woodsford (12th February) that during heavy rain water flows across the floor of the Waiting Shelter soaking any luggage etc. Also asked again (12th February) if the 2/5 train stop could be repositioned so that the Severn Tunnel Junction trains would stop under the protection of the awning rather than all but the last door being exposed to rain etc. Have also e-mailed Colin Bray (8th February) on this topic, as he was involved in the signalling alterations associated with the development of platform 4. Colin has responded by forwarding (15th February) to Brian Baralos. Still awaiting response.

Caldicot Platform - Extension of platform to accommodate 4 x 20 metre rolling stock is now complete. Network Rail is repositioning Signal N190 as part of Newport Resignalling during 2009.

Llanwern Station - No further information.

Other liaison Issues

Following discussion at Exeter Community Rail Conference had sent e-mail to Charles Howeson the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Great Western suggesting the need for a Key Performance Indicator to measure the effect of connections when timetable changes are made. Response received proposal is with the high level experts in the Performance Directorate. Have met and discussed with Mark Hopwood (Performance Director). Having considered he feels it would be too complex to introduce and will not be progressing further.

David Flint in contact with Charles Howeson to arrange his visit to STAG.

Have e-mailed (4th February) Alan Preest a councillor at Lydney in attempt to make contact with rail users there but have received no response.

Unable to attend Dr John Walker's lecture in Cardiff on Tuesday 4th March on Road Pricing and Congestion Charging, as STAG meeting date clashed.

SEWTA meeting 14th March 2008. Colin attended as it clashed with the First Great Western timetable meeting. Notes have been typed up and will be circulated once Colin has agreed them. Meeting included the WAG Transport Grant Settlement for 2008-09. There is nothing proposed for rail at Severn Tunnel Junction in fact nothing for Monmouthshire. Obviously until Monmouthshire Cabinet makes a formal decision nothing will appear in SEWTA proposals and as is clear from the reply to Mohammad Asghar above, until it is part of the SEWTA proposals there will be no funding from WAG.

Next SEWTA meeting 10:30 City Hall Cardiff Friday 27th June.

Alan and Alexander Vickers attended Travel Watch South West meeting in Taunton on Saturday 1st March. Alan will provide notes.

Talk by Andrew Mac Naughton of Network Rail on 'The 2030 Railway' was cancelled owing to Andrew having a domestic problem.

Infrarail exhibition at the NEC^» (National Exhibition Centre - about) 11th March had registered to attend but own domestic commitments prevented attendance.

Have registered and been accepted to attend a one day seminar on Transport Appraisal at Royal Institute of Architects in London on Thursday 27th March. This covers NATA and should help in forming official response to the NATA Refresh consultation that will need to be sent within a day or two of the seminar.

Passenger Focus conference 215 Euston Road London Thursday 24th April, Jim and Colin registered to attend.

Meeting with Tim James on Tuesday 14th February in Cardiff has been postponed awaiting new date for meeting.

Meeting with Caldicot School asked for by David Flint 12th March, no response, Colin will follow up.

[Timmer]

They did think a solution to the stopping patterns required on services radiating from Bristol ^ either towards Cardiff or east to Westbury, was through the addition of an extra Bristol urban stopping service between Cardiff and Westbury. Effectively providing a twenty minute service over that section allowing the fast Cardiff-Newport-Bristol-Bath-South Coast service to remain an express service. There are no timescales for the suggestion.

Good idea from FGW^▸ (First Great Western) here and one I expect will have to happen sooner or later. I'm all for making the Cardiff-Portsmouth an Express service again instead of a local service which it has become on certain parts of the route, provided FGW operate a local additional Cardiff-Westbury service that would connect with Cardiff-Portsmouth services at Bristol and Westbury.