Issue - meetings

Bus 18 Update

Meeting: 17/11/2017 - Transport Committee (Item 33)

33 Bus 18 Update pdf icon PDF 297 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report updating it on the progress of Bus 18 and to consider the endorsement of the 2018 priorities for the programme, as detailed in the submitted report.

 

WYCA established its Bus Strategy in early 2017, to run until 2040. Emerging from the feedback obtained during this consultation, the Committee identified the need to make early progress on addressing the issues that matter to bus passengers.  Discussions were therefore held with the Association of Bus Operators in West Yorkshire (ABOWY) seeking a mechanism to work collaboratively with bus operators to achieve the shared objective of reversing the decline in bus patronage. This resulted in a programme of initiatives entitled Bus 18.

 

Whilst progress had been made, further impetus was needed in order that bus passengers are able to see and experience the benefits from Bus 18.  The Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee had met with the Bus 18 Steering Group to agree the following priorities for 2018;

 

·         Young People – a strongly promoted, discounted “go anywhere” day ticket.

·         Air Quality – to maximise the funding opportunities provided by central government to facilitate low emission buses

·         Punctuality & Reliability – a strong focus on punctuality and reliability with clear visibility of performance against targets

·         Customer Confidence – a campaign to increase public awareness of the recent investment in buses and the steps taken to increase patronage 

 

The success or otherwise of Bus 18 would enable the Committee to come to a view as to the best way of utilising the new powers available in the Bus Services Act.

 

Resolved:  That the progress made on Bus 18 to date, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted, and that the priorities for 2018 be endorsed.