Agenda item

The Transport Committee received an update on the current performance of the transport network in West Yorkshire.

It was noted there had been further recovery of bus passengers, with patronage levels at roughly 65% of the pre-pandemic average at this time of year. Commutes and young people travelling to school and college had seen stronger returns to bus usage. However, it was cautioned that a significant gap still existed between current and pre-pandemic patronage.

Members questioned whether, with working patterns having changed significantly since before the Covid-19 pandemic, it still served as a useful point of comparison. Significant differences had already been observed, with peaks spreading throughout the day and some towns/cities, particularly those less dependent on office-based commutes, recovering better than others. It was cautioned that many aspects of travel patterns were still in a state of flux, and it would be important to ensure that decisions were not made now under assumptions that there would be no further change.

The impact of workforce issues, particularly the availability of bus drivers, was discussed. Operators across West Yorkshire were currently facing a shortage of approximately 10%, or 250 drivers. Staff turnover was at 15-30%, which was double the pre-pandemic rate. A number of factors were raised as contributing to this:

·       Working practices and conditions, as discussed above in relation to the BSIP.

·       The on-going effects of the pandemic, such as illness and issues caused by isolation.

·       Similarly to the above, changes of circumstances and a move toward different career paths, triggered by the pandemic.

·       Difficulties and delays with new drivers getting licenses – frequently by the time a license arrived, another job had been found. This would require engagement with both the Government and DVLA.

Members noted that a reduction of services was not acceptable, given that bus operators were being subsidised at higher levels than ever before. Officers advised that where services were being reduced, school journeys and communities with more infrequent service were being prioritised to avoid any reduction, and that measures such as signing-on bonuses were being implemented to increase numbers of drivers, but a long-term investment into staffing would be vital going forward to guard against future issues of this kind.

The shortage of HGV drivers was also discussed, and Members suggested that better infrastructure – including places for drivers to make safe and comfortable overnight stops, venues to eat, etc – would help in addressing this.

Questions about demand management and the needs of future passengers were highlighted, particularly in regards to the connectivity strategy. Feedback had already been received that people throughout the region felt they needed better connections to anchor organisations such as hospitals and doctor’s surgeries, and it would be critical to react quickly to this going forward.

Members also received an update on the East Leeds Flexibus scheme, and one of the new electric minibuses being used for this was available for viewing outside of the meeting. Officers would report back on the success of the project at a future meeting.

Resolved: That the Committee note the updates on the current performance of the public transport network provided in the submitted report.