Agenda item

To consider the attached report.

Bus Services Act

The committee was informed that the Bus Services Act received Royal Assent in April 2017. Draft regulations and secondary legislation have now been issued by the government for consultation.

Following questions from members of the committee regarding performance data, Neale Wallace informed the committee the Bus Services Act will require the release of open data on routes, timetables, real time information and fares. It is expected that these requirements will be in operation by 2020.

Service Changes

Members were advised that Arriva had made changes to a number of services in North Wakefield to reflect the recent opening of Wakefield Eastern Relief Road.

Members asked whether there have been any noticeable service improvements sine the Wakefield Eastern Relief Road was opened. It was reported that a traffic survey will take place in the future in order to determine the success of the measure.  Arriva has experienced improvements in the short time the road has been open.

Following comments from members of the committee, it was agreed that the guidance that is used when communicating a change of bus service to the community will be shared with the minutes.

Real Time Information

The committee was informed that the current real time information system, which has been in operation since October 2005, will be replaced following the completion of a procurement process. Two suppliers will deliver different aspects of the upgrade, which includes the introduction of a new back-office system and the upgrade of real time information screens.

MCard

It was reported that an app has been launched for android phones, which enables MCard users to buy and load tickets directly to their MCard from their phone. A ticket machine is planned to be installed in Wakefield Bus Station in the future.

Senior Travel Passes

It was reported that around 300,000 Senior Passes across West Yorkshire are due for renewal in the coming months.

Cliff Baker asked what the rationale was for allowing people to renew their passes online up to three months before expiry, but only one month when visiting a bus station or travel centre.

Neale Wallace informed the Committee that he will feed back the comments to colleagues and respond at a future meeting.

Transport for the North Integrated and Smart Travel

The committee was informed that most major bus operators are aiming to enable their ticket machines to accept payments using contactless bank cards during 2018.

Northern Stations Improvement Fund

The committee was informed that the Northern Stations Improvement Fund is aimed at middle and smaller sized stations and is focused on bringing facilities and standards up to a consistent level. Improvements include investment in areas such as seating, information, lighting and security, as well as additional ticket machines and improved accessibility where applicable. Phase 1 stations, including Outwood and Wakefield Kirkgate, are due to be completed by the end of 2017.

A number of Members raised concerns regarding the lack of toilet facilities at Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station. It was also reported that the station has inadequate ticket purchasing facilities for the volume of passengers that use the station.

Neale Wallace informed the committee that he will feed back the comments to Northern and report back at a future meeting.

Rail Station Car Park Expansions

It was reported that work had started on a programme of car park extensions at a number of rail stations throughout West Yorkshire. Once completed, the car parks will provide additional standard and blue badge parking bays, as well as charging points for Electric Vehicle.

Members reported that the car park extension at Pontefract Monkhill train station had recently been completed. However, the extension is still too small to satisfy demand and suggested possible extension to sites around the station.

AccessBus

It was reported that catalytic convertors are due to be fitted to the AccessBus fleet that operates in Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield due to funding that has been secured from the Department for Transport. The improvements will bring the buses emissions down to the equivalent of Euro 6 standards.