Issue - meetings

Resolved:

(i)              That the submission of an Expression of Interest to the Department for Transport Supported Bus Services Funding based upon the approach outlined in this report be approved.

(ii)            That, in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee, bids are submitted to the Super Bus and All-Electric Town Funds based upon the approach outlined in this report.

(iii)          That the continued progress of the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance be endorsed.

(iv)          That the current position regarding the potential sale of First West Yorkshire and the work in progress to understand the requirements for delivering bus services in West Yorkshire through a franchising model be noted.

Members considered a report which set out the process and seek approval for the approach to the Department for Transport announcement of Better Deal for Bus Users Funding which included the Super Bus Fund and Electric Towns Fund.

The submitted report set out the approach for an expression of interest and outlined a list of possible bus service enhancements developed in consultation with officer across the districts.

Members also noted that First Bus was no longer up for sale.

Members gave their approval to the expression of interest and mentioned specific interventions such as services in north Kirklees, and a Keighley to Halifax service via Denholm. Members also inquired if the funding could be used to reintroduce frequency of bus where services had been cut to hourly. Members noted that officers would look at the feasibility of these interventions but that there would not be enough funding to reintroduce frequency of services.

Resolved:

(i)              That the submission of an Expression of Interest to the Department for Transport Supported Bus Services Funding based upon the approach outlined in this report be approved.

(ii)            That, in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee, bids are submitted to the Super Bus and All-Electric Town Funds based upon the approach outlined in this report.

(iii)          That the continued progress of the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance be endorsed.

(iv)          That the current position regarding the potential sale of First West Yorkshire and the work in progress to understand the requirements for delivering bus services in West Yorkshire through a franchising model be noted.