Richard Baum

This morning I attended a meeting of the (deep breath) Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority Service Improvement Sub-Committee.

There were two main items – First off there was a report and actions list arising from a review of Integrated Social Needs Transport, which basically said that there needs to be more integration and joined up thinking between the GMPTA, Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. It wasn’t a particularly good or bad report, and it painted a mixed picture. What is clear is that as a County we sometimes fail the most vulnerable when it comes to transport needs, and this needs to change. What is disappointing is that this particular committee only meets a couple of times a year and so our ability to scrutinise and keep tabs with the agenda is pretty limited, especially for members who have full time paid employment as well.

The second item on the agenda related to performance monitoring, and the rationalisation of performance indicators. There are some new indicators, some revisions, and a fair few things that were being monitored before and that no longer are. A couple of indicators surprised me:

On Metrolink, the punctuality indicator is no longer being measured because, we were told, the reliability indicator is more useful. I disagree wit this because as someone who wants a Met every 6 minutes as promised, I get hugely annoyed when I stand at a platform watching three go the other way and waiting 15 minutes for mine. The system is reliable and there are no breakdowns, but if I want to get into town at the desired time, it’s just not happening. One of the key problems with Metrolink (and there are many) is that the timetable simply isn’t stuck to. And it’s a real shame that it isn’t being monitored any more.

Another indicator which caused some confusion related to satisfaction. Previously, there were three separate indicators asking frequent users their opinions of trains, buses and trams. Now, there will just be one combined indicator reported, although the split will still be made lower down, and we’ll be able to tell should the inevitable Metrolink revolt occur. Last year’s combined figure for satisfaction was 92%, which seems pretty high. However the target going forward is only 91%! In other words, the PTA’s target is to reduce passenger satisfaction! I questioned this and was told that the 92% figure was “a halo effect” and something of an anomaly. But frankly I don’t care, and any target which sees us aiming to lower satisfaction is plainly ludicrous.

Rick