Issue - meetings

(Member lead: Cllr J Blake, Director: Dave Pearson)

Resolved:

(a)       That the current position in respect of the potential sale of First West Yorkshire be noted and the continuing work to identify the options available should the sale process proceed be endorsed.

(b)       That a further report be brought to a future meeting setting out the process and implications of adopting bus franchising powers.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Transport Services on future bus options.

Members discussed the report which provided an update on the sale of First West Yorkshire Ltd including, but not limited to, potentially participating in the sale.

The Authority had previously resolved to explore options arising from the sale of the company and had approved expenditure of up to £200,000 to commission legal and technical advice. It was noted that the sale of First West Yorkshire Ltd has now been delayed.  Whilst work would continue to identify available options should the sale process proceed, it was agreed to use part of the previously approved funding to undertake preparatory work to understand the process and implications of adopting bus franchising powers should a devolution deal be secured. It was noted that further funding would be required to progress franchising and/or acquisition of the company.

Members welcomed the  announcement for a £220 million funding package in respect of the Government’s commitments to deliver a better deal for bus users.  This included local authorities being able to bid for funding to improve current services and restore lost services and the development of ‘superbus’ networks and an electric bus pilot.  The Combined Authority would discuss the opportunities with the Department for Transport, emphasising the need for an ongoing commitment to future years funding and a report would be brought to a future meeting.

Resolved:

(a)       That the current position in respect of the potential sale of First West Yorkshire be noted and the continuing work to identify the options available should the sale process proceed be endorsed.

(b)       That a further report be brought to a future meeting setting out the process and implications of adopting bus franchising powers.