Issue - meetings

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director.

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which updated members on the results of the public consultation on supported bus service savings options as part of the review of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011-2026 Public Transport Strategy review.

Issues highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: the remit of the review; the methodology used and the large response; that whilst the review would be considering whether certain services were sustainable, no decision has been made as to a financial savings target; that the consultation sought to measure the impact of possible service changes on the public; the role of scrutiny, and how the conduct of the consultation had been viewed by various third parties; and that it was hoped to bring the final report back to Cabinet in September.

In response to a question from Councillor Jon Hubbard, Councillor Whitehead stated that he would explore the possibility of cashless technology as a way of saving money and assisting passengers.

In response to a question from the Leader, Councillor Whitehead stated that he hoped to publish information about the results in an accessible format as soon as possible.

In response to a question from the Leader, Councillor Whitehead explained that whilst   the draft Bus Services Bill would be taken into account, he would not want to delay the review from its stated timetable.

Resolved

(i)           Notes the results of the public consultation on supported bus service savings options as part of the review of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011-2026 Public Transport Strategy review.

(ii)          Notes that a report on a proposed way forward for public transport in Wiltshire will be presented to Cabinet at a future meeting.

(iii)         Notes that over 11,000 individuals and organisations responded to, and took partin, the public consultation.

(iv)        Notes that due to the volume of consultation responses received only themajority or main consultation points have been outlined at this time; theanalysis and consideration of more detailed points will be undertaken if and when changes to individual supported bus services are proposed and consulted upon

(v)          Note that the Bus Services Bill being considered by Parliament  would be taken into account in the review.

Reason for Decision:

To provide Environment Select Committee and Cabinet with early visibility of the results of the public consultation on supported bus service savings options.  A further paper outlining options will be presented to Cabinet in the future.