Agenda and draft minutes

Open session for members of the public to ask a question, raise a concern or provide feedback.

No questions were raised during the open forum.

There were no apologies for absence.

Transport Committee members only.

There were no declarations of interests at the meeting.

There were no items that required the exemption of the press and public.

Resolved: That the notes be noted.

(subject to approval by the Combined Authority)

The Chair confirmed that the Transport Committee Review had been approved at the Combined authority meeting and that the Transport Committee will have a new format from June 2022. The DCSCs would also be amended as the Chair would act as an engagement lead for the area and will feed back discussion to the Transport Committee.

Members considered an information report which provided an update on transport issues in Calderdale

Members discussed the provision for mobility aids on buses and what could be done to facilitate and educate drivers. First reported that they were signing off internal training campaign to make sure drivers were fully aware.

Resolved: That the information report be noted.

Members were provided with verbal updates from transport operators:

First Bus

·       First bus reported that lower staffing levels have led to some service reductions.

·       There was pipeline of recruitment for drivers wanting to join the bus industry, and licenses are being returned by the DVLA much faster now than during the pandemic.

·       Working arrangements had been reviewed to allow for more flexible working to make the role more appealing.

·       Passenger numbers were around 85% of pre-pandemic figures, which has risen from around 75% in previous months. Concessionary passengers were not returning as fast as other passenger types, and questions are being asked around how they might be encouraged to return.

Arriva

·       Arriva reported passenger levels of 85% compared to pre-pandemic figures.

·       There were issues regarding driver shortages, though recruitment campaigns are ongoing to attract new drivers through the new West Yorkshire Bus Jobs website.

·       Arriva is also working with DVLA to fast track new licenses, and drivers with existing PCV license holders are beginning on a higher pay to encourage applications.

Northern

·       Members noted that there had been a change in the market; commuter travel had reduced, and the leisure market had increased.

·       Northern had not seen any issues around capacity with customer numbers at 60-75%.

Resolved: That the operator updates be noted.

The Sub-Committee considered a presentation outlining the proposed goals for public transport over the coming years

Members praised the actions outlined on the quick win slides and asked if the timetables could be returned to bus stops.

Members discussed fears around the disruption of the Transpennine route upgrade and northern outlined their plans to minimise disruptions to customers.

Resolved: That the presentation be noted.

The Sub-Committee was provided with a presentation on the current trends for public transport following the pandemic, with suggestions to encourage passengers to return to public transport, and how public transport might change to support a return.

Members discussed the best way to get passengers back on to public transport and the consensus that reliability of service and affordability of tickets were the two main factors across both bus and rail.

Resolved: That the presentation be noted