Request ID: FOI-2278-2324 Date published: 23 October 2023
You asked
Dear TfL,
Please confirm exactly how many "train slots" Network Rail require that MTR keep clear, on the Great Western Main Line (Relief line), between Westbourne Park Carriage Sidings and Hayes & Harlington, for freight trains.
Please provide a copy of the contract which states that MTR must run 2 "semi-fast" services to Reading in the peak, which don't call at Southall, Hayes and Harlington, Iver, Langley, and Taplow. Please confirm whether or not there are, or ever have been, any plans to alter the calling patterns of these trains, so that they call at all the usual stations (creating another "stopping" service) rather than being a "semi-fast" service.
I look forward to your reply.
Thanks.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2278-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 September 2023 asking for information about the Elizabeth line rail network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
Please confirm exactly how many "train slots" Network Rail require that MTR keep clear, on the Great Western Main Line (Relief line), between Westbourne Park Carriage Sidings and Hayes & Harlington, for freight trains.
The Elizabeth line timetable has been created to ensure that there are pathways available for freight on the ‘Relief’ lines. As we do not hold information on exactly how many freight slots Network Rail require, please contact Network Rail directly via the following link to their website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/transparency-and-ethics/freedom-of-information-foi/ Please provide a copy of the contract which states that MTR must run 2 "semi-fast" services to Reading in the peak, which don't call at Southall, Hayes and Harlington, Iver, Langley, and Taplow. Please confirm whether or not there are, or ever have been, any plans to alter the calling patterns of these trains, so that they call at all the usual stations (creating another "stopping" service) rather than being a "semi-fast" service.
We can advise that semi-fast services were originally run by rail operator GWR, but were transferred to the Elizabeth line after an agreement between the government’s Department for Transport and TfL.
To explain further, TfL specify the service level specification, whilst our rail operator, MTR Elizabeth line, which manages and operates the trains, then progress the requirement through the industry timetable process.
Passenger demand is reviewed, and possible changes considered for each timetable change. For the December 2023 timetable, we are able to implement an additional stop at Acton Mainline in two of the AM peak Reading Semi-Fast services, whilst also continuing to meet the journey time requirement. This is to help the spread of passengers at Acton Mainline where we have seen a high passenger demand.
The relevant sections from the contract between TfL and MTREL are noted and highlighted below accordingly: If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
