Agenda and draft minutes

Cllr Groves Chair of Transport Committee welcomed everyone and said a lot had happened since the last face to face meetings in 2019 and the cancellation of the DCSC’s in March due to Covid 19. There had been challenges both new and pre-existing, congestion on the rail network, air pollution, low carbon future buses.

Cllr Groves thanked all involved with the Devolution deal, Cllr Kaushik, Cllr Bolt, Officers of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the District Chairs, Bus Station and Travel Centre Staff .and for the contribution of the Transport Committee to the District Strategic Plan and said an important part of any strategy was communication through many channels.

Addressing the public representatives of the District Consultation Sub Committees Cllr Groves said she wanted to hear their voice and welcomed their valued contribution. 

Due to Covid 19 the meetings will continue to be held via Zoom. The technology has enabled more people to be involved.

Cllr Groves continued to say following Devolution the following topics will be addressed:

Economic Recovery Plan, Bus Network, Bus Alliance, Demand for Transport, Rail, Active Travel, Cycling and Walking Plans, Electric Scooters, Creation of Jobs, Transforming Places, Means of Travel, Freight Capture.

Cllr Groves thanked Bus operators, Rail forum, Bus Walking Group

Expert Panel and said that with respect to the national figures on bus and rail, they are holding their own sessions and again thanked all who had contributed.

Including Question and Answer

Dave Pearson, Director of Transport addressed the meeting and said this was the first time that the DCSC has used zoom technology as it was not possible due to Covid 19 to meet in one room and the meetings in March had to be cancelled.  However, it was necessary right now to meet this way to give everyone the opportunity to speak. 

Representatives of WYCA’s five District Consultation Sub-Committees were given presentations and a verbal update which provided them with an overview and update regarding the current issues affecting transport in the region.

Councillor Groves opened the meeting for questions from the public representatives and officers gave verbal responses and said that if further clarification was required on any topic raised, this would be provided.

·         Live Bus information screens at bus stops

·         Cycling and walking interventions

·         Concessionary bus passes

·         Feasibility study regarding the future of the Queensbury Tunnel and the development of the Great Northern Railway Trail

·         Provision of current numbers by district of the cycling population

·         Idling of Buses

• Promotional offers by bus and rail operators to get people back on their services
• How can you re-assure people who cannot see to social distance that public transport is safe for them to use?
• Safety of public transport
• Wakefield Kirkgate public conveniences
• Public Consultation 
• School Transport

Resolved: 

(i)            That the update on current issues affecting transport in the region be noted.

(ii)          That the views of the DCSC’s be noted.

An update on the Combined Authority’s survey into how COVID 19 is changing travel habits and attitudes

Representatives of WYCA’s five District Consultation Sub-Committees were given a presentation which provided them with an overview and update regarding theCovid 19 Telephone Summary which included:

• COVID 19 Impact and recovery our data.
• Change in walking / running and cycling
• Mode intentions in the coming weeks

• Changes in activity over the coming weeks
• Changes in travel activity – private car / van
• Alternatives to public transport
• Commuting times and home working
• Sources and more information

Resolved:

(i)             That the contents of the presentation be noted.

(ii)            That the presentation slides be circulated to DCSC members.

An opportunity for the Committee to influence the development of the plan.

Representatives of WYCA’s five District Consultation Sub-Committees were given a presentation which provided them with an overview and update regarding theTransport Recovery Plan with key themes to

Ensure the survival of the Bus Network – as a vital part of a fully functioning and thriving public transport network that serves all communities, for an inclusive economic recovery.

Progress a green and healthy recovery – the Covid 19 crisis presents an opportunity to build on positive changes in travel behaviour to take the opportunity to reimagine our neighbourhoods, towns and cities, to support a sustainable economic recovery.

The Transport Recovery Plan covers three timescales:

Short term next 12 months

Medium Term 1 to 2 years

Long term 2 to 5 years

Resolved:

(i)             That the contents of the presentation be noted.

(ii)            That the presentation slides be circulated to DCSC members.