Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Democratic Services, Director of City Development and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which provides an overview of the progress made in response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board in its inquiry report ‘Advancing Bus Service Provision’, published 17 May 2017.

The report of the Head of Democratic Services, Director of City Development and West Yorkshire Combined Authority set out the progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Inquiry into Advancing Bus Service Position.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Cllr L Mulherin – Executive Member

-  Andrew Hall -  Head of Transportation

-  Cllr K Groves – Chair of WYCA Transport Committee

-  Dave Pearson – Director, Transport Services

-  Andrew McGuinness – Chair, Association of West Yorkshire Bus Operators & Regional Manager, Northern & Yorkshire Regions, CPT UK

-  Paul Matthews – MD First Leeds

-  Alex Hornby – Transdev

-  Dwayne Wells – Arriva

The Board was given a presentation which focussed mainly on the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  West Yorkshire Bus Alliance Commitments

·  Governance Structure and Partnership Agreements

·  Priorities and Customers

·  Developing a Sustainable Bus Network

·  Changes to the Bus Industry

Further issues highlighted included the following:

·  Ambitions to increase bus patronage by 50%.  It was anticipated that it would take five to ten years to achieve the level of growth required.

·  Further investment was needed in bus corridors.

·  The need to make services more viable and affordable.

·  The need for integrated ticketing across providers.

·  Reassurance about the future delivery of commitments made by First including investment in vehicles in light of the anticipated changes in ownership of the company.

·  Development of the National Bus Strategy and the need for national policy.

·  The need for bus operators to work in partnership with local authorities.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  The need for improvements on smaller bus networks to improve connectivity for older people and families.  Members were informed that the connectivity strategy would consider all kinds of bus transport and better connect people to education and employment opportunities.  Work on the core network would support other parts of the network.  Provision of demand led services was also discussed.

·  Should the Alliance have ownership or part ownership of one of the bus providers there is legislation in place to enable a public body to operate in a commercial environment.  WYCA had commissioned expert advice to consider available options.  Financial liabilities will need to be considered.

·  Concern regarding the reduction of services and lack of clarity on changes to services.

·  Investment in upgrading vehicles and providing new vehicles which would contribute to reducing emissions.

·  Ongoing work to simplify fare structures.

·  Use of technology for timetable information, tracking and ticketing.

·  The need to revise the planning process with regard to bus provision and to ensure that funds from Section 106 agreements are used more efficiently.

·  Lack of accountability and how the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance could address this. 

·  The potential impact on staff and customers of a change in ownership of a bus operating company.

In consideration of the recommendation, the status of recommendations were agreed as follows:

·  Recommendation 1 – Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 2 – Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 3  - Achieved

·  Recommendation 4 – Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 5 - Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 6 – Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 7 - Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 8 – Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 9 - Not fully implemented (progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

The following key points were raised during consideration the recommendations:

·  Infrastructure investment – There was constant engagement with engineering teams and bus operators to minimise disruption planned roadworks.

·  An update was requested on the position with the retrofitting of emission control technologies to vehicles.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report and discussion be noted.

(2)  That the above status of tracking recommendations be approved.