Issue - meetings

    To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene, and Flooding, presented a report providing details of the results of the public consultation on a revised Public Transport Strategy, and seeking authorisation to adopt the Strategy as part of the existing Local Transport Plan.

Details were provided on the outcomes of the consultation, as well as background on challenges in the service area including shortages of bus drivers and increased costs. The high level of responses to the consultation was also noted. The strategy document would aid the council in meeting its statutory duties in line with its Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, noted comments in the report on new strategies aligning to the council’s climate strategy, and work to undertake a joined-up approach to achieve this.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee, confirmed the Committee had reviewed the report at its meeting on 11 January 2024 and provided comment.

Cllr Gordon King asked when the Local Transport Plan 4 would be completed, with it stated it was intended to be by the end of 2024.

A question from Colin Gale, Pewsey Community Area Partnership, was received as detailed in Agenda Supplement 2. He asked a supplementary question on how the council could improve public and elected Member understanding of the positive rollout of demand responsive transport (DRT) schemes, noting some of the comments from the consultation. He complimented the operation of DRT in the Pewsey area. Cllr Thomas stated there would be discussions with bus operators and the council’s communications team to improve this.

Cllr Dr Brian Mathew commented on Link and community minibus schemes and what could be done to boost these services further. Cllr Thomas stated they provided an essential service, and the council did engage with them and provided some funding but would consider what more could be achieved through the wider public transport strategy.

Cllr Tamara Reay praised the operating zones for demand responsive transport and looked forward to being extended to other rural areas where possible.

Cllr Tony Jackson asked about extending DRT provision to include taxi operators. Cllr Thomas stated there were some schemes looking at the use of taxis instead of buses for DRT and the council was happy to consider this, but this was subject to potential restrictions on government funding.

At the conclusion of discussion, it was then,

Resolved:

That Cabinet approve the revised Public Transport Strategy at Appendix 1.

Reason

To ensure that Wiltshire Council’s supported public transport continues to deliver appropriately for Wiltshire residents and its visitors, considering changing travel habits and a challenging operational and financial market.