Issue - meetings

Resolved:

(i)              That the Committee considers an update of the Transport Recovery Plan at the November Committee meeting.

(ii)             That the delegated decision-making arrangement approved by the Committee on 13 March be maintained for use on urgent matters relating to the COVID-19 emergency and reviewed at the next meeting.

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the current issues relating to the impacts of COVID-19 on transport operations and the proposals recovery.

Members noted the steps taken to prepare the bus network for the return of schools and collages to increase capacity and ensure a safe and Covid secure bus provision.

Members noted the funding arrangements and the continuation of the COVID- Bus Services Subsidy Grant which provided funding support to operate bus services at pre COVID-19 service levels despite the significant reduction in fare revenue. The Chair had written to the Secretary of State to express concern around the sustainability of this method of funding.

Members discussed:

·       Future long term demand for public transport given the trend away from regular commuting and more home working.

·       Analysis was ongoing and a consultation for employers plans for home working as well as footfall in town and city centres was underway

·       New ticketing offers would be assessed to reflect the new ways of working.

·       That view on the importance of getting employees back to what differed from sector to sector and need to be considered on that basis.

·       An additional 80 buses had been added to the system to accommodate the return of schools and colleges.

·       The work underway with universities to promote active travel and that more certainty around funding for active travel was needed.

·       Members discussed the delegation made at the March meeting of the Transport Committee to the Managing Director and questioned whether such delegations remained necessary now that the Committee could be held virtually. Members suggested keeping the recommendation in place with a view to reviewing it at the November meeting.

·       It was noted that the Combined Authority was subject to periodic changes in Government funding, particularly around school transport which may require decisions in the moment.

·       The recommendation to remove the delegation was voted on with 3 members in favour and 7 against.

Resolved:

(i)              That the Committee considers an update of the Transport Recovery Plan at the November Committee meeting.

(ii)             That the delegated decision-making arrangement approved by the Committee on 13 March be maintained for use on urgent matters relating to the COVID-19 emergency and reviewed at the next meeting.