Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room A, Wellington House, Leeds. View directions

Contact: Dathan Tedesco  Email: dathan.tedesco@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Manisha Kaushik, Rebecca Poulsen and Tim Swift.

2.

Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests

Minutes:

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared by members at the meeting.

3.

Exempt information - possible exclusion of the press and public

Minutes:

There were no exclusions of the press and public at the meeting.

4.

Minutes of the meeting of the Transport Committee held on 21 April 2017 pdf icon PDF 95 KB

Copy attached.

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 21 April 2017 be approved and signed by the Chair.

5.

Appointment of District Consultation Sub-Committees and the Local Bus Services Working Group pdf icon PDF 78 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report on the appointment of District Consultation Sub-Committees and the Local Bus Services Working Group for the municipal year 2017/18.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That a District Consultation Sub-Committee is established for the municipal year 2017/18 for each constituent council area, according to the terms of reference set out in Appendix 1 of the attached report, to be chaired by:

 

Cllr David Dagger                               Wakefield Council

Cllr Manisha Kaushik                          Kirklees Council

Cllr Michael Lyons OBE                      Leeds City Council

Cllr Taj Salam                                     Bradford Council

Cllr Dan Sutherland                            Calderdale Council

 

(ii)               That each Transport Committee member co-opted from a constituent council is appointed as a voting member of their respective Sub-Committee.

 

(iii)             That Transport Committee note that a recruitment exercise for public representatives is to take place in Autumn.

 

(iv)              That each District Consultation Sub-Committee meets on the dates set out in the calendar considered by WYCA at the annual meeting.

 

(v)                That the Local Bus Services Working Group is re-established for the municipal year 2017/18, with terms of reference and arrangements as set out in Appendix 2 of the report attached to the paper.

6.

Cycle City Ambition Grant Programme pdf icon PDF 373 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the implementation of the Cycle City Ambition Grant programme and approach to delivery of the preferred suite of projects within the programme in order to manage the available funding effectively.

 

The report outlined progress to date and it was noted that WYCA has worked with partner authorities to review the scope of the programme. Members discussed the summary and outcomes of the review which aimed to maintain the ambition of transformed infrastructure connecting towns and cities, within the approved funding envelope.

 

Members thanked officers for the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the programme and its projects.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That the inclusion of the DfT grant funding offers of £700k (capital) and £1.5m (revenue) within the programme and expenditure on related cycling and walking initiatives, as approved by WYCA on 6 April 2017, be noted.

 

(ii)               That the approach to managing the CCAG budget be noted and that the remaining projects within the programme, in Table 2 of the report, are put on a ‘reserve list’ and must go through further assessment to select which to take forward that will bring overall programme within total budget.

 

(iii)             That it be noted that the following schemes will proceed to delivery:

 

          Leeds City Centre Project – Leeds City Council

          Wakefield to Castleford: Phase 1 – Wakefield District Council

          Calderdale Canals: Phase 1 – Canals River Trust

          Leeds-Liverpool Canal (Airedale Greenway) – Canals River Trust

          Huddersfield Narrow Canal – Canals River Trust

          Bradford Canal Road – Bradford District Council

 

(iv)              That the removal of the cycle hubs and neighbourhood projects, and alternative means of progressing this type of intervention, be noted.

7.

Transport Strategy pdf icon PDF 98 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report detailing the proposed amendments to the Transport Strategy ahead of its submission to WYCA.

 

At its meeting of 23 February 2017 the Committee considered responses from public and stakeholder consultation on the draft Transport Strategy, which took place during 2016.  The Committee identified a number of highlights from the consultation to be addressed and agreed that an amended version be considered before its recommendation to WYCA.

 

Members reviewed the proposed amendments which also sought to align with national and local policy developments and initiatives which have happened since publication of the consultation draft.  In particular the government’s consultation on their Industrial Strategy and the national and local focus of Inclusive Growth.

 

It was agreed that a decision on the content and appearance of the document be delegated to WYCA’s Managing Director in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee prior to its submission to WYCA.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That the Transport Strategy be recommended to WYCA for approval, subject to the amendments detailed in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the submitted report and also the following amendments, which were tabled at the meeting:

 

(a)   A statement to encourage the provision of charging points for the growing number of power assisted bicycles.

 

(b)   A statement to reaffirm a commitment to the needs of all road users, balanced with the needs of cars.

 

(c)    A strengthened statement on the importance of accessibility, particularly for disabled people.

 

(ii)               That the Managing Director finalise the content and appearance of the Transport Strategy in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee prior to its submission to WYCA.

8.

Bus Strategy pdf icon PDF 406 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report on the updated Bus Strategy ahead of its submission to WYCA.

 

At its meeting of 23 February 2017 the Committee considered responses from public and stakeholder consultation on the draft Bus Strategy, which took place during 2016.

 

The Bus Strategy was updated to reflect this feedback and also the feedback received from a supplementary consultation on accessibility.  A summary of the conclusions of this supplementary consultation was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

 

The Committee was also given an update on the Bus Services Bill, which received Royal Assent on 27 April 2017 and became an Act of Parliament.  Authorities are able to access the new legislative powers from 27 June 2017.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That the updated Bus Strategy be recommended to WYCA for approval.

 

(ii)               That an update on the progress of the Bus Strategy be brought back to the Committee at a future meeting.

9.

Supported Bus Services pdf icon PDF 89 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report outlining the steps being taken to deliver supported bus services within the budget allocated by WYCA.

 

It was noted that WYCA has reduced its 2017/18 budget for bus services by £650k.  A comprehensive review of current contracts was being undertaken to obtain efficiencies and to identify those services where the subsidy per passenger journey exceeds the maximum set by the current guidelines.

 

It was reported that savings of £156k pa have been obtained from procurement and renegotiation with operators.  Members noted further potential savings which were set out in paragraph 2.8 of the submitted report.  It was noted that these would be subject to liaison with affected ward members and negotiation with bus operators.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That a review be made of the current policy and practice of supported bus services to ensure it is effectively meeting the mobility needs of the City Region.

 

(ii)               That poorly used bus service journeys be withdrawn, endorsing the proposal set out in the submitted report and in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Committee on 26 September 2014.

 

(iii)             That the implementation of the changes to services outlined in the submitted report be reviewed by the Local Bus Services Working Group.

10.

Capital Spending and Project Approvals pdf icon PDF 420 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report on proposals for the progression and funding of the following seven projects to be delivered as part of the Local Transport Plan Implementation Plan 3 and National Productivity Investment Fund 2017/18:.

 

·         Bus Station CCTV Digital Upgrade

·         Bus Hotspots

·         Rail Policy and Programme Development

·         LTP Monitoring, Evaluation and Bid Development

·         Morley Transport Hub

·         Bradford Interchange Access and Huddersfield Transport Hub Totem Installation

·         Strategic Cycle Network Development

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That in respect of the Bus Station CCTV Digital Upgrade project the Transport Committee approved:

 

(a)   That the project progresses through Decision Point 5 (Full Business Case with Finalised Costs) and commences work on Activity 6, Delivery;

 

(b)   The increase in total project capital costs from £550k and grant approval for capital expenditure of £1.095m to deliver the Bus Station CCTV digital upgrade project, funded from the LTP IP3 and NPIF programmes.

 

(c)    The Assurance Pathway and Tolerances as recommended by the PAT. This approval route will be subject to the schemes remaining within the tolerances outlined.

 

(ii)               That in respect of the Bus Hotspots programme the Transport Committee approved:

 

(a)   That the programme progresses through Decision Point 5 (Full Business Case with Finalised Costs) and work commences on Activity 6, Delivery;

 

(b)   Capital expenditure of £1.037m to deliver the Bus Hotspots programme, funded from the LTP IP3 and NPIF programmes.

 

(c)    The entering into a Funding Agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £674,400, with Calderdale Council for expenditure of up to £20,000, Kirklees Council for expenditure of up to £168,700, and Wakefield Council for expenditure of up to £173,500.

 

(d)   The Assurance Pathway and Tolerances as recommended by the PAT. This approval route will be subject to the schemes remaining within the tolerances outlined.

 

(iii)             That in respect of the Rail Policy and Programme Development programme the Transport Committee approved:

 

(a)   That the programme progresses through Decision Point 2 and work commences on Activity 6, Delivery;

 

(b)   Capital expenditure of £300k to deliver the Rail Policy and Programme Development programme, funded from the LTP IP3 programme.

 

(c)    The Assurance Pathway and Tolerances as recommended by the PAT. This approval route will be subject to the schemes remaining within the tolerances outlined.

 

(iv)              That respect of the LTP Monitoring, Evaluation and Bid Development programme the Transport Committee approved:

 

(a)   That the programme progresses through Decision Point 2 and work commences on Activity 6, Delivery;

 

(b)   Capital expenditure of £150k to deliver LTP Monitoring, Evaluation and Bid Development programme, funded from the LTP IP3 programme.

 

(c)    The Assurance Pathway and Tolerances as recommended by the PAT. This approval route will be subject to the schemes remaining within the tolerances outlined.

 

(v)                That in respect of the Morley Transport Hub project the Transport Committee approved:

 

(a)   That the project progresses through Decision Point 5 (Full Business Case with Finalised Costs) and work commences on Activity 6, Delivery;

 

(b)   Capital expenditure of £150,000 to deliver the Morley Transport Hub project, funded from the LTP IP3 programme.

 

(c)    The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

May 2018 Rail Timetables: Northern and Trans-Pennine Express pdf icon PDF 135 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report which set out the proposed responses to the following three consultations which were being carried out by Northern (“NT”, operated by Arriva Rail North) and Trans-Pennine Express (“TP”, operated by First Group):

 

·         NT, regarding their proposed timetable changes in May 2018;

·         A second NT consultation regarding possible future train journey-time improvements; and

·         TP, also regarding their proposed timetable changes in May 2018.

 

The Committee endorsed the submission of formal responses, the drafts of which had been circulated to members on 26 June 2017.  Officers were thanked for the thoroughness of their work on the draft responses.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)                 That approval be given to formally submit responses to the consultations launched by TP and NT, as per the draft responses sent out to members on 26 June 2017.

 

(ii)               That WYCA officers continue to work with the two train operating companies and Rail North to pursue positive outcomes for the Leeds City Region from the May 2018 timetables.

12.

DEFRA Air Quality Plan Consultation Response pdf icon PDF 103 KB

To consider the attached report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report setting out WYCA’s response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) revised Air Quality Plan consultation, launched in May 2017.

 

The Plan sets out a range of measures considered by government to be the most effective ways of reducing Nitrogen Dioxide levels in affected areas, including Clean Air Zones. The Plan provides an overview of a range of proposed interventions to improve air quality, including non-charging and charging based Clean Air Zones, retrofit emission abatement technology and investment in Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). 

 

Members noted WYCA’s response to the eight question consultation, which was attached to the submitted report.  It was noted that this had been submitted before the deadline of 15 June 2017.

 

Resolved:  That the principles of the WYCA response to the Government’s Air Quality Plan, as set out in the submitted report, as a basis for continued engagement with Government be endorsed.

13.

Transport for the North Update pdf icon PDF 315 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

The Committee was provided with an update on Transport for the North’s development of a Transport Strategy and on the progression of WYCA’s road and rail priorities for Transport for the North, including the development of a Northern Powerhouse Rail network.

 

Members noted the recommendations from the East-West Trans-Pennine corridor study, which had been approved by WYCA at its 29 June 2017 meeting, and were being provided as an input into Transport for North’s further work on the Central Corridor.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)         That Transport for the North’s development of a Transport Strategy and progress on WYCA’s road and rail priorities for Transport for the North, including the development of a Northern Powerhouse Rail network, be noted.

 

(ii)        That it be noted that the recommendations from the East-West Trans-Pennine corridor study are to be provided as an input into TfN’s further work on the Central Corridor.

14.

Bus Service Contract Management Issues pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report which advised of issues arising from the recent closure of several bus operators.

 

Members discussed and noted the consequences for WYCA as a result of the recent closure of four bus operators.  Details, including the actions taken to reduce future risk to WYCA, were outlined in the submitted report.

 

Resolved:  That the issues emerging from the closure of bus service contractors set out in this report together with the actions taken to reduce this risk in future be noted.

15.

City Region Transport Update pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report providing an update on current transport issues in the City Region, covering the following:

 

·         HS2 Growth Strategy

·         Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme

·         ULEV Taxi Scheme

·         National Productivity Investment Fund

·         Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy/Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans

·         Park & Ride

·         Bus 18

 

Resolved: That the updates provided in this report are noted.