Public Transport Infrastructure is in need of investment to improve the image of public transport in the County and to attract residents to make greater use of sustainable modes of transport.

A condition survey carried out in 2019 indicated a significant number of bus shelters that require repair, upgrading, or replacement. Since the survey was completed the condition of the assets has declined further as there has not been an allocated budget for maintenance and renewal.

The council’s recently published bus service improvement plan (BSIP) has identified the importance of infrastructure in maintaining patronage levels, and attracting new passengers to public transport, in turn reducing reliance on unsustainable modes of transport.

Progressing this program would help to deliver the council’s identified County Plan success measures:
• Work in partnership with others to reduce county carbon emissions
• Improve the air quality within Herefordshire
• Increase the number of short distance trips being undertaken by sustainable modes of travel – walking, cycling, public transport

Progressing this program would help to deliver the council’s identified Local Transport Plan objectives:
• Provide a good quality transport network for all users – by being proactive in our asset management and by working closely with the public, Highways England and rail and bus
• Make journeys easier and safer – by making bus and rail tickets compatible and easier to buy and use, by providing ‘real time’ information at well-equipped transport hubs, by improving signage to walking and cycling routes and by helping people feel safe during their journeys.

The council’s budget for 2022/23 was approved at a full council meeting held on 11th February 2022. This included a capital allocation of £300k over 2 years to upgrade bus shelters in the County.