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 Director of City Development and West Yorkshire Combined Authority set out the progress in responded to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Inquiry into Advancing Bus Provision.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Cllr L Mulherin, Executive Member

-  Cllr Kim Groves, Chair, WYCA Transport Committee

-  Gary Bartlett, Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation

-  Dave Pearson,  Director, Transport and Properties Services - WYCA

-  Andrew McGuiness, Regional Manager, North of England, CPT UK

Chair ABOWY

-  Dwayne Wells, Head of Commercial for Arriva

-  Paul Matthews,  MD of First WY

-  Alex Hornby, CEO TransDev

Dave Pearson gave the Board a presentation.  The following was highlighted:

·  The impact of Covid on bus use – fewer journeys and restricted capacity due to social distancing.  Impact on finances.

·  Possible scenarios with or without emergency funding.

·  Longer term implications – changing travel habits; environmental implications and vehicle investment.

·  Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme – works ongoing in the City Centre and the Leeds/Bradford corridor.

·  Development of a colour coded route system.

·  Links to the airport.

·  Fare deals for younger people and flexible ticketing for part time workers.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  There had been a similar impact on passenger use on both commercial and supported routes.  Bus usage had risen more than rail usage during the summer period.

o  There would be a report to Executive Board in November which would provide an update on schemes in the Leeds Public Transport Improvement Programme.

Councillor Groves addressed the Board with regards to the role of WYCA on bus provision.  Issues highlighted included the priorities to protect existing networks; work with the Government to pursue options for the delivery of bus services and developing an enhanced partnership between WYCA and bus operators.

Representatives of the bus operators also addressed the Board.  Issues highlighted included the following:

o  Recovery following the original announcement for people to avoid the use of public transport.

o  Staffing issues.

o  Partnership working to meet current challenges.

o  Provision of transport for key workers, school pupils and students.

o  Future challenges.

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

·  There were capacity issues at peak times due to social distancing.

·  Ticketing  - MCard payments had been deferred.

·  Changing levels of demand and travel habits.

·  Most recent guidance for travel was to avoid unnecessary journeys.

·  Public concern regarding the use of public transport had lessened since the start of the pandemic.

·  Colour coded bus routes would include the relevant signage on the vehicles themselves.

·  Less than 3% of bus journeys were full to capacity.  Monitoring work was being undertaken to identify where additional services may assist.  Real time information and apps were being improved to indicate where journeys were full to capacity.

·  Bus companies were working with the coach sector to provide additional services where needed.

·  Delivery of the Bus Strategy and enhanced partnership working.

·  WYCA would have powers to franchise services when it becomes a Mayoral Authority.

·  Decision not to implement the Clean Air Zone - over 90% of buses were now compliant with the target for emissions.  Work would continue to improve air quality.

·  Simplifying fares for under 19s to make them more affordable and to encourage bus travel.  Fares were ultimately set by the bus operators.

Members’ attention was brought to the position status of the Board’s recommendations as shown in Appendix 2 of the report.  It was agreed that the monitoring status of each recommendation remained as follows:

·  Recommendation 1 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 2 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 3 – Position Status 2 – Achieved.  Issues with regards to congestion may be revisited at a later date.

·  Recommendation 4 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 5 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 6 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 7 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 8 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

·  Recommendation 9 – Position Status 4 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable.  Continue monitoring)

RESOLVED – That the monitoring status for each of the recommendations be agreed as discussed.