Decision details

Dave Colbert presented a report (circulated) that provided a progress update on the East Lancashire Rail Connectivity Study and associated Conditional Output Statement.

It was reported that the study had concluded that significant investment is necessary in order to improve both the performance and attractiveness of East Lancashire's rail network, and that without such investment, the perception of East Lancashire as being poorly connected is likely to grow.  Moreover, current and proposed investment in the rail network elsewhere across the North of England has the potential to widen the connectivity 'gap' between East Lancashire and key economic centres such as Manchester and Leeds.

Failure to improve or replace existing rolling stock is likely to lead to further deterioration in the quality of the trains, potentially impacting on journey quality, capacity and performance.  This could result in existing rail passengers seeking to use alternative modes of transport, placing additional pressure on an increasingly congested highway network.

In addition, it was reported that the Conditional Output Statement will strengthen Lancashire's case when engaging with the Department for Transport, Rail North, the wider rail industry and adjacent transport authorities to secure improvements to East Lancashire's rail network, in particular, with regard to the next rail industry investment period covering 2019 to 2024 ('Control Period 6').

The Committee agreed that improving the East Lancashire Rail connectivity was a priority for Transport for Lancashire and endorsed the proposal to continue dialogue with wider partners to prioritise improvements to the network.

Resolved:  The Committee noted the contents of the report.