Agenda item

To receive a report that highlights the findings of the consultation and changes proposed for individual services.

1.            The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Mr Balfour, introduced a report that  sought Members endorsement or recommendations to the proposed decision to implement the package of supported bus service initiatives as set out in paragraph 2.3 of the report.

2.            The Head of Public Transport, Mr Lightowler, highlighted the findings of the consultation that ran between 21 March and 15 May 2016 advising that there were 424 responses received; 276 responses were to specific initiatives in the consultation document and 63% of the respondents used the services affected and 175 of the respondents identified themselves as being in a protected group as per the EQiA.  He advised that the key message was the need for change.  However there were some concerns that may have reflected a lack of understanding of exactly what the proposed changes entail suggesting a need to reassure users – including providing reassurance around alternative provision.

3.            Mr Lightowler agreed to provide information about  the alternative timetables for those services where that was not included in the consultation.

4.            Concerns and questions were responded to by Mr Lightowler and Mr Balfour as follows:-

Ÿ  Mr Caller questioned what was being proposed in the recommendation of the report as the revised timetables had not been received by the public as part of the consultation.  He considered that he might vote against the recommendation as it stood.  Mr Balfour expressed his regret that Mr Caller did not feel properly informed.  He suggested that Members had the opportunity to ask him or the Corporate Director, Mrs Cooper questions before the meeting.

Ÿ  Mr Lightowler in response to the question of what efficiencies would be used to ensure that the budget for supported bus in 2016/17 would be delivered, explained that Public Transport had built up a reserve, through efficient management of spend and by delivering a BSOG surplus.  Mr Lightowler explained that when BSOG was devolved from DfT to Kent, for supported services, rather than just pay the same amounts to the operators as DfT, Kent re-ran the BSOG calculations in conjunction with the operators and this generated a surplus, Operators were happy with this arrangement and under the devolved ruled any BSOG surplus could be re-invested in Public Transport.  It was this reserve said Mr Lightowler which would be used to fund any gap. 

Ÿ  Mr Lightowler confirmed that the EQiA, both for the whole package and for each individual route was produced by working closely with the Equalities Team, using their advice, and had been reviewed by them.

Ÿ  Mr Lightowler explained, in response to a question re reputational issue with the operator (service 12RL alternative provider) that in the case of service 12, the alternative to service 12RL the service had reliability issues in the past; running late and breaking down.  There was now a strong programme with new engineers to resolve the vehicle issues.  The problem was that bus services were like retail, once a service got a reputation it was hard to remove, even when it was working correctly.  Mr Lightowler was working closely with the operator concerned and the timetable would improve in the coming months.

Ÿ  Referring to those with limited mobility or a disability, Mr Lightowler referred to the Kent Karrier scheme, which provided a door to door service.  Mr Lightowler pointed out that by the end of 2017 the bus fleet of Kent would be fully accessible as per the legislation, which had opened up travel for those with limited mobility or a disability.  He pointed to the example of Stagecoach in Kent that recently introduced 30 new accessible double deckers, with another 25 to come.

Ÿ  Dr Eddy was pleased to see that services 541 and 542 had received a substantial response as they served a very deprived remote village.  He noted that there were 26 responses relating to the service 14A Canterbury to Deal.  He had concerns regarding the Deal Dover to Sandown as it would not extend to Sandown beyond 4.55 pm.  In the afternoon there were people who worked in Deal and lived in Sandown so need to look at timing of those buses.  There were plenty of residents in those areas that did not have cars.    Mr Lightowler confirmed that officers would look at how the plan would work for residents. He also agreed to speak with the operator regarding the 540 group.

Ÿ  Mr Lightowler confirmed that the 123 Nu-Venture service timetabled to arrive five minutes before the train was due to leave the station, worked well if it was used by a ticket holder, but did accept that if you had to buy a ticket it would be a rush.  Mr Lightowler said that he believed that many of the users were regular rail commuters and so already had their tickets.

5.            RESOLVED that:-

(a)    the responses to comments and questions by Members be noted;  and

(b)    the Cabinet Committee endorsed the proposed decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport to implement the package of support bus service initiatives as outlined in paragraph 2.3 in the report.