Agenda and minutes

Venue: Main Hall, Elizabethan Gallery, Brook Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1QW

Contact: Andrew Atack 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Paul Howden and Christopher Hyomes.

2.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 March 2017 pdf icon PDF 257 KB

Copy attached.

Minutes:

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 March 2017 be approved.

3.

Introduction to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the District Consultations Sub-Committees

This will be a presentation provided by a representative from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Minutes:

The committee was presented with an overview of how the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is funded and the transport functions and services it provides. Members were also provided with an overview of how the District Consultation Sub-Committees (DCSCS) fit into WYCA’s governance structure.

4.

Information Report pdf icon PDF 313 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

Bus Services Act

 

The committee was informed that the Bus Services Act received Royal Assent in April 2017. Draft regulations and secondary legislation have now been issued by the government for consultation.

 

Following questions from members of the committee regarding performance data, Neale Wallace informed the committee the Bus Services Act will require the release of open data on routes, timetables, real time information and fares. It is expected that these requirements will be in operation by 2020.

 

Service Changes

 

Members were advised that Arriva had made changes to a number of services in North Wakefield to reflect the recent opening of Wakefield Eastern Relief Road.

 

Members asked whether there have been any noticeable service improvements sine the Wakefield Eastern Relief Road was opened. It was reported that a traffic survey will take place in the future in order to determine the success of the measure.  Arriva has experienced improvements in the short time the road has been open.

 

Following comments from members of the committee, it was agreed that the guidance that is used when communicating a change of bus service to the community will be shared with the minutes.

 

Real Time Information

 

The committee was informed that the current real time information system, which has been in operation since October 2005, will be replaced following the completion of a procurement process. Two suppliers will deliver different aspects of the upgrade, which includes the introduction of a new back-office system and the upgrade of real time information screens.

 

MCard

 

It was reported that an app has been launched for android phones, which enables MCard users to buy and load tickets directly to their MCard from their phone. A ticket machine is planned to be installed in Wakefield Bus Station in the future.

 

Senior Travel Passes

 

It was reported that around 300,000 Senior Passes across West Yorkshire are due for renewal in the coming months.

 

Cliff Baker asked what the rationale was for allowing people to renew their passes online up to three months before expiry, but only one month when visiting a bus station or travel centre.

 

Neale Wallace informed the Committee that he will feed back the comments to colleagues and respond at a future meeting.

 

Transport for the North Integrated and Smart Travel

 

The committee was informed that most major bus operators are aiming to enable their ticket machines to accept payments using contactless bank cards during 2018.

 

Northern Stations Improvement Fund

 

The committee was informed that the Northern Stations Improvement Fund is aimed at middle and smaller sized stations and is focused on bringing facilities and standards up to a consistent level. Improvements include investment in areas such as seating, information, lighting and security, as well as additional ticket machines and improved accessibility where applicable. Phase 1 stations, including Outwood and Wakefield Kirkgate, are due to be completed by the end of 2017.

 

A number of Members raised concerns regarding the lack of toilet facilities at Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station. It was also reported that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Open Forum

This will provide the opportunity for questions to be raised from the floor with a focus on matters of wider interest.

Minutes:

Park and Ride

 

David Young raised concerns regarding local bus services that operate along the same route as the planned Park and Ride site in Stourton. He stated that a dedicated express service may attract people that currently use local services, which could see a reduction in passengers, which could result in a reduced frequency service for the rest of North Wakefield.

 

Neale Wallace reported that local bus services that operate close to other Park and Ride sites across the county had not seen a reduction in service or passenger numbers but this will be monitored.