[Below are the noteworthy extractions from the Commissioner’s Report – MWM]
DLR: Three-Car Capacity Enhancement Project
DLR operated its first three-car train in public service on 22 February, with the official launch by Kulveer Ranger on behalf of the Mayor a day later. A number of three-car trains are now running on the Bank-Lewisham line, DLR’s busiest line. A full three-car service on the line will be achieved by April, and three-car trains will be rolled out across the rest of the network as demand requires.
DLR: Stratford International Extension – Canning Town
Works to finish platforms are nearing completion, and mechanical/ electrical and telecoms installation has commenced at all stations. Connecting works with LU stations are scheduled for April. The line remains on course to open during 2010.
Oyster Extension to National Rail Services In Greater London
The extension of Oyster Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) to National Rail services in Greater London continues to be a success, with 0.8m additional National Rail PAYG journeys now being made each week.
Mayor of London and Train Operating Companies Summit
A successful meeting took place on 12 February between the Mayor, TfL, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and the train companies. Broad agreement was reached on a number of areas, to try and find solutions that would benefit the capital’s rail passengers. The proposals related to the following key areas:
a) Fares and retailing
Simplifying fares and ticketing on Tube/ National Rail services in Greater London.
Extending the acceptance of Oyster PAYG beyond the Greater London boundary, where it is logical to do so.
The train companies have agreed to review the Oyster Extension Permit over the coming months, as well as opportunities for increasing the retailing of Oyster at National Rail stations.
b) Customer Information
Improving travel information for passengers, both online and at stations. This includes improved links between the websites of National Rail Enquiries, train companies serving the Greater London area and TfL, and the consolidation of route maps for the Capital.
c) Station Standards
Developing safer, more secure stations. This work will be in line with the recommendations from the Better Stations report, and will also build on the success of the South Central franchise model, where TfL has worked with the DfT to secure minimum standards within the franchise specification.
d) Service frequency
TfL and the Mayor will continue to influence service frequency through the franchise process
Possible ways of increasing services that are beneficial to passengers will be jointly explored where they are cost effective, and where there is a strong commercial case for doing so.
e) Mayor’s Transport Strategy, major projects and planning for growth
Joint working on the long-term planning process, sharing expertise on medium and long term planning for rail, to the benefit of passengers and stakeholders alike. This will be achieved through Network Rail’s London Route Utilisation Strategy, Transport for London’s rail planning process, the railway’s Planning Ahead initiative, and the reflection of longer term planning initiatives within franchise specification.
These areas will now be taken forward by a high level liaison group, consisting of TfL, ATOC and the train operating companies, which was formed before the TOC Summit.
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