8 Apr 2008 - Meeting the Managers at the Brunswick, Derby

The East Midlands Trains panel below fielded a series of questions submitted by FDVL members:

 

David Mather                   External Development Manager

Karl Nevitt                        Route Manager, Nottingham 

John Hillman                     Stakeholder Development Manager

Karen Miller                     Station Manager Derby

 

The meeting was well attended by 24 in total. Apologies - we have no pictures of this lively event – FDVL invite applications for the post of official photographer! - webmaster

 

Station Adoption

 

*  EMT to launch a new scheme as a matter of high priority.

*  FDVL would like to extend adoption to other branch stations.

*  EMT explained the two categories for local support: Station Representative & full Station Adoption. 

 

 

 

Main Line Connections at Derby

  

*  Concern expressed over some current poor London connections at Derby

*  EMT propose retiming some early and late branch services in Dec 2008 t/t to improve London connections and are working to make Derby a 5 minute -connection time station.

*  A key element is the hourly service from December 2008

*  FDVL need to see the latest draft timetable in order to comment fully on connections

  

 

December 2008 timetable – Whatstandwell, Cromford stops

  

*  Concern expressed that new service will only call at above stations every other hour.

*  EMT said that this stopping pattern needed to gain more recovery time for a reliable service.

*  Additional trackwork to be installed with Trent resignalling in Dec 2009 will then allow stopping pattern to be reviewed.

*  Business case will be needed to justify the additional stops.

  

 

 

Withdrawal of main line calls at Belper

 

*  FDVL disappointed with these withdrawals, which will reduce journey opportunities & increase times to the north.

*  EMT said the improved branch service and better main line running time will offset some of this. 

  

 

Car Parking at branch stations

  

*  EMT agree that car parking is unsatisfactory along the line

*  It has proved impossible to source ticket rolls for the Matlock rail users ticket machine at & a new machine may be bought.

*  Until resolved, EMT say rail users parking in allocated spaces should not need to pay. (though DDDC appear to differ)

*  EMT have plans to improve, or are exploring possibilities, car parks at all other stations on the line

  

 

 

Revenue Collection / Protection 

  

*  Staff now on commission and revenue collection is increasing

*  Ticket machines to be installed at Belper & Matlock by June 2009 accepting cash or credit cards

*  Barriers to be installed at Derby , Nottingham & Sheffield

*  Staff can now exchange defective ticket machines & batteries at Derby

 

 

 

Cycles by Rail

  

*  EMT support cycling and would like to see more cycle hire points introduced

 

Derby Station - Replacement of platform canopies

  

*  On target to complete Phase 1 (platforms 1b-3b) by 30^th May

*  No registered delays to branch services due to this project

 

Customer Information Systems (CIS)

 

*  On-going problem with lack of announcements when service problems occur

*  Station Manager Derby looking at roster changes to facilitate out-of-hours announcements along the line

*  EMT looking at improvements to CIS on branch as a whole

*  FDVL reminded EMT that there are continuing difficulties with replacement bus drivers not knowing calling points