Transport for Woking 

This will be the little brother (or sister) of the proposed ‘Transport for Surrey’. Both will be advisory bodies drawing in a range of interests: local authorities, bus and train companies, transport users and community organisations. Despite the name, neither of them will have quite the clout or cash of ‘Transport for London’.

Nevertheless it is a very good idea, because Woking is a transport and planning hub and in great need of better co-ordination and improved transport, including not just a proper bus station but an ‘all modes interchange – the development of bus station, taxi, pedestrian and cycling facilities serving the railway station.’

By far the most entertaining part of the discussion at yesterday’s Local Committee meeting was the double-act between Ray Morgan, Woking’s Chief Executive, and Iain Reeve, Head of Transport for Surrey. Ray Morgan was particularly forthcoming.  

County Councillor Andrew Crisp noted that Transport for Woking would be Officer led and not include Councillors. Ray Morgan replied ‘we want some hard-nosed, sometimes quite challenging discussion about what is possible’. After this they would give ‘information to Members to let Members make the decisions’, but ‘people behave differently when there are politicians in the room.’ Perhaps sensing that the politicians in the Council chamber would appreciate a little more involvement, Ray Morgan agreed it was ‘perfectly reasonable for this to be a standing item [on the Local Committee agenda, but] … don’t expect this to be a quick fix … I’ve yet to see Arriva arrive at a meeting, progress is sometimes a little slower than you’d like.’  

Ric Sharp, Borough Councillor for Knaphill,  picked this up by asking about the attitudes of other partners. Ray Morgan said that when he spoke to ‘representatives from SW trains and Network Rail’ and pointed out ‘opportunities to release capital’ there was a ‘considerable change of attitude’ so that ‘it’s fair to say … I’m encouraged there’s a chance of getting them there …’  And if potential partners continue unhelpful?  ‘If the County and the Borough will act as one we will be more powerful in persuading…’ 

Amen to that.