Issue - items at meetings - Supported Bus Network

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1)               That the Committee authorises the Area Network Review to begin followed by the competitive tendering process if required.

2)               That a further report be brought to a future Policy & Resources Committee Meeting for consideration  which will identify recommendations for the future Supported Local Bus Network, subject to available  funding.

30.1       The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Permission to Commence Review and Tender Process for Supported Bus Network. The purpose of the report was to seek approval, following the Areas Network Review, to go out to competitive tender for the supported bus network contacts which would commence in September 2016, if necessary.

30.2       Councillor Mitchell highlighted that there were ongoing discussions and routes were under review, and would help to ensure that all routes were served to fullest degree possible. There were also new initiatives from bus companies themselves such as multi operator ticketing; it was hoped such initiatives would help to alleviate concerned raised by residents. Councillor Mitchell also noted her full recognition of the matters raised by the deputation on the agenda and provided assurance that this information would be fed into the area review.

30.3       In response to Councillor Sykes it was clarified that an in-house service was an option in the report; however, it remained high cost, legally complex and was an unlikely option for the authority to take forward.

30.4       In response to Councillor Wealls it was clarified that the normal award of contract was for four years with flexibility to extent. In regards to school bus services, the final report would be cross-directorate and consider school services.

30.5       It was confirmed for Councillor G. Theobald that where a service served a school under East Sussex County Council administration a proportionate contribution would be made.

30.6       The Chair put the recommendations to the vote:

30.7       RESOLVED:

1)        That the Committee authorises the Area Network Review to begin followed by the competitive tendering process if required.

2)        That a further report be brought to a future Policy & Resources Committee Meeting for consideration  which will identify recommendations for the future Supported Local Bus Network, subject to available  funding.