Franchise Performance Minutes - 17 September 2009

1. STANDING ITEMS AND FRANCHISE PROGRESS
Minutes of previous meeting accepted.

1.1 Actions from previous Meeting
Wemyss Bay - update on progress with Caledonian MacBrayne (CALMAC)/Network Rail (NwR)

Proposals are progressing to transfer the management of the area at the front of the station to CALMAC. ScotRail advised that although four parking spaces may be lost an opportunity to have additional disabled spaces may be possible. If the proposals are implemented ScotRail will increase the monitoring of the remaining station car park spaces. AP JM
Signage issues and associated timescales are with Network Rail and ScotRail to progress.

Highland Mainline strengthening - progress on report due end of September
JF advised, summary will be available tomorrow with a full report at the end of the month. AP JF

1.2 Progress on actions from Quarterly and actions arising from Quarterly Projects review
Relevant updates from Franchise Quarterly and Franchise Projects meetings to be highlighted.

1.3 Variations, Changes and Priced Options
Perth depot - cost effective report

ScotRail are progressing the commissioning of a feasibility study with Network Rail
regarding a solution for the movement of empty coaching stock. The study will be delivered on the back of the Edinburgh - Fife - Aberdeen proposals.

Airdrie to Bathgate Variation Notice - JM advised that the Notice was combined with the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) Variation Notice. HB to raise with IJ. AP HB
Gartcosh Variation - JM confirmed this has been sent to DA.

1.4 Committed Obligations Delivery
Haymarket lifts - ScotRail internal meeting on 21 August 2009 - update
ScotRail have Historic Scotland's confirmation to proceed. ScotRail are now progressing the issue with Network Rail.

Queen Street escalators - update due end August
JM advised that structural investigations are ongoing towards the design stage in May 2010.

1.5 Compliance
Franchise trial period
HB confirmed that the trial period finishes on 30 September 2009 and that the review is ongoing.

Ongoing monitoring
It was noted that there will be ongoing monitoring of individual Priced Options.

2. COMMERCIAL & PASSENGER ISSUES

2.1 Service Level Commitment Delivery (SLC)
Track Access Agreement - current status and update
There is a difference of opinion between Network Rail and ScotRail on Passenger Service Requirement Compliance Yardstick (PERCY) dates of the revised rules.
ScotRail are taking forward with Network Rail and Office of Rail Regulation.

Timetable Conference - current status and update
JF confirmed that the changes of the minutes for the last meeting had been made.
AP HB could sign these off and then circulate the draft agenda for the next meeting to the project teams. AP HB

Lease of 158's - update
ScotRail is awaiting a proposal from Angel, Angel have told ScotRail that all costs have to be recovered over the period of the lease.

December 2009 timetable
Stonehaven / Portlethen - Dave Prescott (Transport Scotland) proposed a solution but ScotRail advised that the proposal was unsuitable. In the meantime, an additional stop at Portlethen and Stonehaven in a current Aberdeen - Glasgow service was proposed as an interim solution. TS to respond to proposal . AP TS

JF provided the costs for the 05.22 Kilmarnock service to OHC. It was agreed that if the service ran from May 2010 any savings should go back into the financial pot. OHC has to email JF with specific questions. AP OHC

JF advised there was one outstanding train (22.12 Saturday Glasgow to Carlisle) that had still to be resolved. JF advised he would check the position with ScotRail's - Neil Sutton, re- Rules of the Route and OHC will consider options if the service cannot be provided to Carlisle. AP JF/OHC

IJ/HB advised that the timetable press release is due on Monday.

Timetable procedures - clarity from ScotRail/Transport Scotland on projects that are being reviewed
It was agreed that this item be dropped from the agenda.

Review the 15.18 North Berwick timetable bid - compliance procedures update required
Alastair Matheson (Transport Scotland) to work through.
Timetable benefits and sensitivities
It was noted that TS is progressing this item.

Update on ScotRail's Service Planning Team
No discussion.

Update from South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRANS) meeting 26 August
Nothing to feedback at this meeting. Dunbar was discussed and needs to be called
off this month.
HB is looking at a mix of Arriva / ScotRail provision. Delivery of the Priced Option and, a variation to the Priced Option is needed.

2.2 Customer Service and Standards
A2B depot opening - update on progress
IJ noted this should be incorporated in the Franchise Variation. Transport Scotland's (Project Team) and JC to co-ordinate and agree what's to be discussed with ScotRail on security. Agreed this item can come off this agenda. AP JC

Customer Contact Centre - update - copy contract
MP and IJ agreed that MP will forward the contract to HB. AP MP

Progress on definitive list of contracts from Sandra Purdie
OHC is working with Sandra on this.

ATVMs (Ticket Vending Machines)
ScotRail explained some of the current issues regarding Ticket Vending Machines at
some stations. ScotRail has drawn up a list of problematic stations and is considering appropriate action.
AP- ScotRail to brief Transport Scotland on any alterations to policy on Ticket Vending Machines.

Alternative transport provision - disruption -
JM will discuss this matter with Jacquie Dey and Anne Gray and update Transport Scotland. AP JM

2.3 Public Relations
January 2010 fares review
ScotRail will co-ordinate their January 2010 fares, announcement and press release with the Association of Train Operating Companies (TOC's).

30 October 2009 - next Service Quality Incentive Regime (SQUIRE) quarterly results
HB noted that the next set of SQUIRE quarterly results will be web based with no press release.

Press release - Transport Scotland to give overview of planned press releases
Transport Scotland is being encouraged to promote good news stories through the Press, such as the improved Shotts service and, patronage on routes before and after the December 2008 timetable changes. ScotRail would check it is comfortable with the figures. AP SR

ScotRail Anniversary - press releases - IW advised that the focus will be on staff for ScotRail's Anniversary. IW added there would be three possible press calls with one at Aberdeen, one at Arbroath and the third for Wemyss Bay.

IW advised that a new Rail Learning Centre was to open in Edinburgh.

3. PERFORMANCE

3.1 Train Service Deliver performance
HB congratulated ScotRail on its strong Punctuality Performance Measurement (PPM).
JM agreed to pass this on. AP JM

With regard to additional compliance monitoring of the extension Priced Options, format has still to be agreed. IJ offered to discuss further with Alasdair McNicoll if required.

3.2 Financial Performance
No discussion.

4. HUMAN RESOURCES & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ISSUES

4.1 HR issues/Progress
No discussion.

5. AOB
No discussion.

Date of Next Meeting
15 October 2009