Agenda item - Rail South

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That members of the Board support the proposal to develop a “Rail South” model as a workstream under the emerging Sub National Transport Body, Transport for South East

2)            That  the Board use their positions on the Shadow Board of SNTB Transport for the South East to ensure;

·         The development of a Rail Strategy as part of the SNTB Transport Strategy

·         The prioritisation of Brighton Main Line Upgrade project by Network Rail early in the next Control Period (CP6: 2019-2024)

·         The promotion of other rail improvements including those east to west and regional connections including those centred on Lewes – Uckfield, and connecting the Region to other areas of the South East including Heathrow.  

7.1         The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that outlined the options available to the Board in securing greater influence over rail infrastructure investment and rail franchising in the Region by working with and through the emerging Sub-National Transport Body, Transport for the South East.

7.2         Andrew Swayne welcomed the report that detailed a long and complex process. Andrew felt that there should be stronger emphasis on east to west transport connections however, the Brighton Mainline was at a critical stage and had to take first priority.

7.3         Prof. Humphris stated agreed that more emphasis was needed on east to west connections and stated her concern regarding the consideration by the rail franchise operators that services would stop to some smaller stations.

7.4         Councillor Morgan highlighted paragraph 4.2 and specifically that the aim of Rail South was to give customers, commuters and businesses and statutory voice into the awarding and operation of rail franchises.

7.5         Steve Allen agreed with previous comments that further conversations were needed on east to west connections and that needed to be in the context of connections to London.

7.6         Councillor Humphries stated he did not view the rail franchise issue as an overwhelming priority and that the majority of effort of the SNTB should be spent on making a case to increase rail capacity from London to Brighton as problems would persist until that was resolved.

7.7         Councillor Janio agreed that capacity was the most important issue and the Region needed to make a case on the need for improved rail infrastructure.

7.8         Steve Allen stated that the recommendations of the report ought to better to reflect a prioritisation of east to west connections.

7.9         Nick Hibberd stated that in previous consideration of the issue at GBEB meetings, there was consensus that the first priority would be investment in the Brighton to London mainline. Explicit emphasis on east to west connections could be added to, and reflected in recommendation 2.2 of the report should the Board agree.

7.10      Councillor Humphreys noted his concern that too many priorities may dilute the required emphasis on the Brighton to London mainline.

7.11      Nick Hibberd suggested that any motion to amend the recommendations could place emphasis on promotion of the east to west connections rather than prioritisation.

7.12      Councillor Humphreys agreed that the term promotion would better reflect the STNB and GBEB priorities.

7.13      Andrew Swayne moved a motion to amend recommendation 2.2 as shown in bold italics below:

2.2      That  the Board use their positions on the Shadow Board of SNTB Transport for the South East to ensure;

·         The development of a Rail Strategy as part of the SNTB Transport Strategy

·         The prioritisation of Brighton Main Line Upgrade project by Network Rail early in the next Control Period (CP6: 2019-2024)

·         The prioritisation promotion of other rail improvements including those east to west and regional connections including those centred on Lewes – Uckfield, and connecting the Region to other areas of the South East including Heathrow.

7.14      Prof. Humphris formally seconded the motion.

7.15      The Chair put the motion to the vote which passed.

7.16      The Chair put the recommendations, as amended to the vote which passed.

7.17      RESOLVED-

1)        That members of the Board support the proposal to develop a “Rail South” model as a workstream under the emerging Sub National Transport Body, Transport for South East

2)        That  the Board use their positions on the Shadow Board of SNTB Transport for the South East to ensure;

·         The development of a Rail Strategy as part of the SNTB Transport Strategy

·         The prioritisation of Brighton Main Line Upgrade project by Network Rail early in the next Control Period (CP6: 2019-2024)

·         The promotion of other rail improvements including those east to west and regional connections including those centred on Lewes – Uckfield, and connecting the Region to other areas of the South East including Heathrow.