Agenda item

This report provides the Select Committee with an update on the outcomes of the public consultation that took place between October and November 2023 on the draft revised public transport policy. The consultation focused specifically on Wiltshire’s bus policy and the supported bus network.

Councillor Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene, and Flooding, alongside Samantha Howell, Director of Highways and Transport, and Jason Salter, Head of Service Passenger Transport, updated the Committee on the outcomes of the public consultation that took place between October and November 2023 on the draft revised Public Transport Policy.

It was explained that the consultation focussed specifically on Wiltshire’s Bus Policy and the supported bus network due to the changes in travel patterns post Covid. The list of policies being consulted on were detailed in Paragraph 6 of Appendix 1 and it was noted that there was more of a focus on decarbonisation, which when combined with emerging transport technologies, could lead to advantages that could be tied into the procurement of services in the future.

Officers explained that review was a rigorous process that included data analysis through the creation of a modelling tool to assist with the assessment of investment priorities for supportive services, and stakeholder analysis centring on bus companies and other transport groups, which in turn, led to the refinement of the draft policies. It was highlighted that the industry was operating within severe financial constraints such as wage increases, fuel prices, driver shortages, and reduced patronage. As such, notwithstanding the benefits of recent enhancements in funding, it was important that the relevant Council policies supported and facilitated bus services in the face of those pressures. Therefore, it was a priority to maintain bus services to the highest level and consider shifting from traditional deliveries of bus services to increase vital patronage, support residents, and assist in achieving the Council’s environmental objectives.

It was noted that there had been more responses than previous consultations and officers felt that there was a good representation of Wilshire’s bus users from frequent to less frequent patrons, with the majority supportive of the main policy objectives. Officers highlighted that if the policy was adopted in the February meeting of Cabinet, a network review would be implemented to reflect the revised policy. Finally, officers noted that they were looking to expand Wiltshire’s Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services using funding received through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

During the discussion, points included:

·       DRT was raised and Members suggested utilising other vehicle options such as taxis, private and community vehicles. Members also commended officers on their hard work in the introduction and management of the scheme, but it was emphasised that DRT should be used to complement rather than replace traditional bus services.

·       Paragraph 3.4 of the report was referenced, and Members acknowledged the reasonings detailed, but felt that DRT in particular was a good piece of policy that added community and social value. Members then asked how officers were ensuring that the wider community of Wiltshire understood the different schemes in place. Officers noted that the feedback was useful in determining where improvements could be made, but also highlighted that there had been a very positive response for DRT in the relevant areas that were benefitting from the initiative.  

·       Members asked what approach officers were taking in respect of encouraging residents to use public transport. Officers explained that the publicised Bus Service Improvement Plan contained these communication strategies alongside annual marketing plans for public transport, and joint campaigns with bus operators. The Enhanced Partnership mechanism was highlighted, and officers noted that this helped to better understand travel habits and passenger numbers.

·       The notion of making public transport the default option for residents was explored with Members noting the importance of increased frequency and quality of services and giving people real and accessible travel choices. It was highlighted that additional funding had been received, a good proportion of which would be used to increase service frequency with those particular services being heavily marketed. Officers raised that the cost implications for introducing new routes or services into a network were significant, therefore it was important to continue supporting existing services.

·       Officers explained that the Public Transport Network Review sat under the umbrella of the Local Transport Plan and agreed with Members that having a combination of measures to meet the Wiltshire Council Business Plan objectives was imperative. Furthermore, it was noted that local cycling, walking, and infrastructure plans were being developed for certain areas within the County with the support of funding secured through Active Travel England which would also tie into the Public Health agenda.

·       Members raised electrification of transport and it was confirmed that officers had put in bids for a number of Government schemes including the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme which if secured, would be used towards introducing more electric buses into Salisbury. It was further explained that other operators were still in the process of experimenting with electrification and/or alternative fuels, therefore officers would provide an update for the Committee once more information was received. It was suggested that the Climate Emergency Task Group be involved in any further conversations and/or plans on the subject.

·       Officers emphasised that the heart of the Public Transport Network Review was understanding that one approach did not work across Wiltshire given its geographical differences. As such, it was noted that the Enhanced Partnership enabled officers to have effective conversations between operators in different areas to ensure that value for money was delivered alongside successful customer experiences and ensuring the right interventions in the right locations. Accordingly, officers noted that there was scope to consider initiatives such as super bus corridors, frequency increases, using smaller and alternative vehicles, connecting with partners who deliver community links, and more on demand services.

·       Members queried if further school transport centric services could be introduced to support the safety of children and reduce traffic congestion around schools. Officers acknowledged the benefits of such schemes but explained that although the Department for Education (DfE) legislative framework allowed for some discretion, the cost implications for these models were extensive.

·       Members noted the national driver shortages and were concerned as to the impact of such on the Council’s ambitions. Officers confirmed that the wage gap had significantly closed from that of three years ago, which had helped the situation, however it was a national concern and further work was being undertaken to combat the issue.

·       Officers were thanked for their presentation and commended for their hard work in supporting rural communities, and older and vulnerable residents who rely on bus services.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was:

Resolved:

The Committee noted the contents of the report.