Issue - items at meetings - Buses - replies to Members' Questions

Report of the Director of Environment

47.1 The Head of Transport Planning and Policy and the Public Transport Manager introduced the report that had been requested following the Local Transport Plan Progress report to the previous ECSOSC meeting.

47.2 The Head of Transport Planning and Policy was asked about the future of the Rapid Transport System [report paragraph 3.7e)] and confirmed that the Regional Transport Board and South East Regional Assembly, meeting the previous week, had agreed to maintain support for the Rapid Transport System (rts) but since progress had been slower than anticipated, the planned start date would now be during 2011/2012, rather than 2010/2011. A resubmission of proposals would take into account a new approach to park and ride.

47.3 The Council would work with neighbouring authorities and partners to develop a scheme to include Shoreham Harbour, possibly extending westards and east towards Newhaven.

47.4 A satisfactory business case would need to include costs of proposals and consideration of alternative options. Discussions on park and ride were continuing.

47.5    Answering questions the  Public Transport Manager outlined some of the practical constraints on the bus routes’ networks and frequencies and possible implications of extending or diverting a bus route. He described the partnership working with the bus operators, who provided 97% of bus services in the City on a commercial basis. He described the range of processes for consultation with users, and the tendering process and operation of the supported bus services.

47.6 The Committee asked for more information on park and ride policy and funding options, and agreed that they would wish to have an involvement in developing policy.

47.7 Councillor Smart, who served on the Older People and Community Safety scrutiny panel was concerned especially about provision for older people and their use of services after dark.

47.8 It was suggested that a more detailed scrutiny activity might be needed. The Chairman said this would be considered under the Committee’s ‘Work Plan;’ Item 50 on this agenda.

47.9 RESOLVED – (1) that the report be noted

(2) that the Committee consider whether further scrutiny activity is needed.