Issue - meetings

Resolved:

(i)        That the Transport Committee approved the adoption of the revised School Bus Guidelines.

(ii)       That the implementation of the revised School Bus Guidelines be carried out as described in the report.

The Committee were presented with the revised School Bus Guidelines, the purpose of which was to enable young people to get to school and to focus spending where needed. Consultation had taken place as detailed in the report and revised guidelines produced on the back of this.

It was confirmed that there would be no sudden impact on services in September 2019 and any changes would be phased in.

Members noted that over half the consultation responses came from the Calderdale area due to having two selective schools in the area. They were reassured that discussions were taking place with Calderdale officers regards a self-financing offering which would be more efficient to meet demand.

The Committee commented that there was no Special Educational Needs (SEN) transport provision mentioned. It was confirmed that under the Transport Act the provision of SEN transport lies with each District Council, although the Combined Authority can assist with arrangements.

Within the report it stated that the Combined Authority will ensure routes are safe in order that pupils may cycle to school. Members asked whether the Combined Authority also ensure children have undertaken the bike-ability course and that there is provision of cycle storage at school. They also asked if there was any way to discourage car-use by parents.

The Chair confirmed that the Combined Authority is working with partner councils and schools to encourage walking and cycling to school and that there was a need to have a more transit orientated plan – such as the exemplar of Waltham Forest. A presentation was planned on this for a future meeting.

It was noted that a climate emergency had been declared last week at the Combined Authority’s annual meeting on 27 June. Members felt that it was taking too long to see any output and suggested it would be useful to have a discussion at the next meeting.

Resolved:

(i)        That the Transport Committee approved the adoption of the revised School Bus Guidelines.

(ii)       That the implementation of the revised School Bus Guidelines be carried out as described in the report.