Franchise performance minutes - 4 March 2010

1) STANDING ITEMS AND FRANCHISE PROGRESS

1.1) Approved agreed minutes of previous meeting - All actions closed or elsewhere on agenda except:

Highland Mainline Strengthening - Recounts on three Fife services are currently being undertaken by ScotRail to help inform options. Action - SR.

Effective communications methods for timetable change - This is being taken forward elsewhere. To be taken off the agenda.

1.2) Progress on actions from Quarterly and actions arising from Quarterly Projects Review

Perth Stabling - NWR has provided SR with revised costs for the extra stabling and additional maintenance facility. AMcN advised of the benefits the maintenance facility would deliver to services and train reliability. Action - DA will prepare briefing for Bill Reeve and AMc will provide an update within a week.

DA asked if more stabling could be achieved by May 2010. JF explained that capacity in the Central Belt is very limited although SR is pursuing opportunities at Perth with NR. Action - SR

1.3) Variations, Changes and Priced Options

Discussed under item 1.2.

1.4) Committed Obligations Delivery

Haymarket Lifts - DA advised that a press release has been issued for the accelerated delivery by December 2010 and that the feedback is positive.

1.5) Compliance

Compliance - TS is content with the format of the separate section for Priced Options SR provided at the previous meeting.

2) COMMERCIAL AND PASSENGER ISSUES

2.1) Service Level Commitment Delivery

Track Access, ORR consultation - Gary Bogan will lead in the response from TS. Action - IJ will speak to the team within TS for putting together a response and will consult with SR as appropriate.

Capacity Reservation, Paisley Corridor - SR will negotiate access rights for this particular timetable. MP advised that it is not an access option but an access right. The journey times JF has produced is based on 3 cars because the journey times will be quicker. IJ advised that care needs to be taken in terms of Track Access Rights as well as the SLC.

Sleeper Services - ORR hearing scheduled to take place on 8 March. Part J is being disputed but DB Schenker are only bidding for 2 additional rights.

Extended lease of Northern c158s - This is being finalised by SR with Angel Trains. Action - SR [SK] to advise TS on final agreement & planned upgrade works.

May 2010 Timetable, 0006 Glasgow to Edinburgh - JF explained that there is an issue with access at Waverley for the 0124 arrival. SR will take forward formal access application. Action - JF will provide feedback.

Kilmarnock 0522 to GLC - This service will begin in May 2010.

May 2010, Stena/Stranraer timetable - JF advised that a meeting is being arranged with RTPs and Passenger Focus to discuss future timetable requirements. Action - SR to advise of a meeting date.

East Coast Timetable Changes - DfT has not finalised its position yet. SR confirmed it will continue to deliver the services it provides today and it has submitted its priority statement as per its SLC.

December 2010, Airdrie-Bathgate - A second draft has been produced. IJ said that it would be easier to have the franchise variation sooner rather than later and advised that SR will require a supplementary track access.

Montrose re-signalling - SR advised one issue with freight service has been resolved but there are still issues surrounding the morning. Action - JF to update.

Dunbar - Driver & conductor training has commenced . Post meeting note - SR confirmed May 2010 service commencement.

2.2) Customer Service and Standards

Customer Communications - SR asked who will be dealing with this within TS. Action - IJ will provide SR with contact details.

3) PERFORMANCE

3.1) Flooding, Observation and Review

Financial Performance - No issues were raised.

4) HUMAN RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIAL ISSUES

Airdrie-Bathgate operations, RMT Dispute - SR is continuing to update TS as necessary on services operating across the network as a result of the dispute.

5) AOB

Gogar - JM asked about clarity in terms of Gogar services. IJ advised that a variation notice will begin the process. The notice is not due until September. Action - IJ will speak to Scot Prentice within TS to ascertain that the Gogar variation timing is correct.