Agenda item

This report provides anupdate on progress with public transport projects, noting their positive impacts, highlighting risks and mitigating actions. 

Councillor Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Streetscene, and Flooding, alongside Samantha Howell, Director of Highways and Transport, Dave Thomas, Head of Highways Assets & Commissioning, Chris Clark, Head of Local Highways, Adrian Hampton, Head of Highway Operations, and Jason Salter, Head of Service Passenger Transport, updated the Committee on the Public Transport Review, passenger transport services, and future developments.

The financial pressures facing the public transport industry were emphasised alongside other strains such as resources and recruitment, the cost-of-living crisis, and fuel price increases; as such, it was a tough and uncertain environment. Despite this, officers reported good working relationships with stakeholders, including bus companies, through the Enhanced Partnership (EP) program as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which helped to resolve issues and develop innovative approaches to help meet national and local objectives. The Local Transport Plan 4 was raised, and it was noted that a draft policy had been penned and officers were in the process of seeking input from residents and providers on any improvements. Finally, the successful launch of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) Project was highlighted, and officers were commended for their hard work navigating the aforementioned challenging environment.

During the discussion, points included:

·       It was noted that the impact of the national £2 fare cap was difficult to assess, however Stagecoach had estimated that it had resulted in an approximate 4-5% increase in patronage. Although the figure seemed low, it was explained that the bus industry ran on narrow margins, therefore it could be considered a relatively significant increase. However, the fare cap was due to rise to £2.50 from 1 November 2023 for 12 months, therefore, in conjunction with the oncoming winter months, officers expected these numbers to plateau.

·       It was noted that over recent years, there had been a significant injection of funds into public transport and therefore, officers noted that they had more tools available to help improve patronage moving forward. Furthermore, the BSIP and EP required providers to sign up to a legally binding contract, allowing for Wiltshire Council to have greater influence and opportunities to make improvements for the travelling public in collaboration with these companies.

·       The reliance on private vehicles and changes in travel behaviours post-Covid was highlighted as a difficult challenge to overcome.

·       The ease of movement between different modes of transport was raised and officers noted the joint work being undertaken with Great Western Railway to improve integration between bus and rail services. Furthermore, officers were focusing on the better provision of infrastructure such as secure bike parking, noted as being fundamental to the Public Transport Network Review.

·       The frequency of buses was noted as a barrier for passengers and Members were concerned that this would impact on the Council’s high street regeneration projects. Officers highlighted issues with the European supply chain and driver shortages across the network which had significantly impacted on the ability to continue certain routes to their previous timetable.

·       The DRT Project was commended, and Members queried whether it had the scope to include taxis to help support and complement Wiltshire Council’s public transport offer. Officers noted that there was an opportunity to facilitate this, however they highlighted the significant demand for the SEND school transport service and the vulnerability of the private taxi market which was struggling with driver shortages. Thus, although officers acknowledged that they were open to exploring alternative modes of travel within the DRT project, their priority was to ensure that any ventures were commercially sustainable for the long term.

·       It was confirmed that officers were seeking to expand the DRT Project into further rural areas across the County and the additional investment received from central Government would allow officers to explore these opportunities.

·       Car sharing schemes utilised in other Local Authorities were raised, and it was noted that although officers’ experience was limited on the topic, they were looking to expand their knowledge by fostering better communications with adjacent Local Authorities to help develop more robust business cases focussing on long term viability.

·       The reliability of services and the implications for commuters and other passengers were noted and Members asked what functions were in place to alert passengers of delays and cancellations. Officers noted that they were focusing on service resilience and ensuring consistency of service irrespective of urban or rural regions. As such, large investments had been made in modernising bus related infrastructures such as bus stops, to provide passengers with real-time service information. Furthermore, it was noted that all of the major bus operators were likely to have developed apps for customers to use for this information.

·       Members noted that as part of the Local Plan, there were considerable housing developments being built across the County and therefore asked if the public transport infrastructure needed for these developments had been accounted for. Officers noted that there were clear tests in place to achieve Section 106 contributions which would go back into public transport schemes; for example, were the plans proportionate and related to the development. As such, officers were in the process of securing Section 106 funding where appropriate, and looking to ensure that services were being introduced at the right time into developments.

·       It was confirmed that the move to more electric vehicles and the necessary development of subsequent charging infrastructures was a priority for officers, in line with the Council’s net-zero carbon emission objectives. Through the EP, officers were ensuring a stable position before moving forward in terms of any infrastructure changes while keeping in mind challenges with grid capacity.

Resolved:

a)    The Committee noted the update on public transport in Wiltshire, including the progress being made on the review of the Public Transport Policy.

b)    The Committee requested a further update in 12 months’ time.