To agree recommendation for passenger transport services required for the saving plan.

The cabinet member for transport and roads presented the report.  He highlighted:

·         That the recommended approach would deliver £740k savings over three years.

·         The report does not include any proposals to withdraw subsidy for passenger services but here would be a need for review of subsidy in line with the adopted policies in the local transport plan.  

·         Bus users were consulted and the strong view was that rural services should be retained.   

·         Bus services in Herefordshire scored 95% for satisfaction according to the Transport Focus annual bus passenger survey.

·         He thanked the head of transport and access for the work of his team in carrying out such a successful review.

All group leaders present thought that the report was positive and thorough.

A group leader agreed with the cabinet member for transport and roads that public transport needed to be retained and queried whether any shortfall in the use of the rural grant could be used for rural transport.   The chief finance and S151 officer agreed to check the conditions of the grant.

The chairman of general overview and scrutiny was pleased to see that the views of the committee had been reflected in the report.   He further noted that bus transport was essential and that it was also useful for tourists.  

A group leader raised a concern about the views put forward that it would be acceptable to put bus fares up as the majority of the residents who had responded to the consultation do not pay to travel.  

A group leader queried when the review into the system for looking at real time passenger information would be implemented.   The head of transportation and access confirmed that work would be undertaken in conjunction with Stagecoach over the next two years and there would be a need to investigate which system would work best for Herefordshire.  

A group leader noted that the majority of bus services were subsided and that if they were not used, then they could be lost and that parish councils needed to be aware of this.   The cabinet member for transport and roads confirmed that there was ongoing communication with the parish councils in connection with this issue. 

Resolved that:

c.       that dedicated support is made available to work with parish councils and community groups to develop local solutions to transport problems in rural areas of the county.