Agenda item

The Sub-Committee considered a report on matters of information relating to the Bradford District.

Inclusive Transport Strategy

It was noted that the Department for Transport had published its Inclusive Transport Strategy, which aims to improve accessibility for disabled people across the UK’s transport network. In light of Brexit the law will still apply to passenger rights.

Audio Visual Information

The audio visual information continues to be implemented across services. This will potentially take between 2-6 years depending on the size of the operator subject to a decision by the Department of Transport.

Clean Bus Technology Fund

The Clean Bus Technology fund had grant funded the Combined Authority to convert 255 buses to latest emission standards. The Combined Authority had topped this up so that all 300 buses applying for funding would be converted. Benefits of this would be felt across West Yorkshire.

Members felt the focus was very Leeds centric and questioned why this was the case. It was explained that the Government had set air quality targets specific to Leeds so this in turn had set the initial distribution of funding, although all operators’ bids had now been met.

The Sub-Committee requested specific figures on the amount of vehicles now remaining below the Euro 6 requirement. The Combined Authority confirmed that it had requested these figures from operators and would give an indication at the next meeting.

Delay Repay Scheme

The scheme had now been extended by Northern Rail to include passengers whose journeys are disrupted by 15-29 minutes (from December 2018).

Bus Service Policy

It was noted that the Combined Authority’s policy on how it uses powers to procure bus services had been revised. It will prioritise community access to the public transport network and opportunities for employment which may result in a reduction to evening and Sunday services.

Bradford Interchange

The pick-up and drop-off point improvements at the main entrance to the Interchange were completed in August, along with public toilet improvements.

Transforming Cities Fund

Councillor Groves confirmed that the bid had got through the first stage for this large potential funding. She noted that Chris Grayling had specifically mentioned Bradford in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

It was queried how the four key routes would be improved and Councillor Groves agreed that this would be brought to the next meeting.

Questions were raised by representatives as follows:

·         It was considered that the update on the Leeds-Liverpool canal tow-path was misleading as to the upgrading of areas mentioned because some areas had in fact not been touched. Clarification on this would be sought.

·         The Sub-Committee welcomed the audio visual delivery and reported it had been well received.

·         A concern was raised regards the potential abuse of the blue badge system given the widening criteria.

·         Boxing Day services to hospitals were highlighted and an appeal made to operators to make sure services connect to enable theses journeys, particularly in Keighley.

·         It was noted that there were no plans to extend station platforms; however this would not exclude the use of longer trains due to the door system being controlled, thus mitigating any safety issues.

·         The management of the drop off point at Bradford Interchange was queried; it was confirmed that there was now an hourly patrol in the drop off point at Bradford Interchange.

Resolved:

(i)               That the Information Report was noted.

(ii)             That further information on the Euro 6 requirement be reported at the next Sub-Committee.

(iii)            The Transforming Cities Fund report be shared at the next Sub-Committee.