Decision details

The committee considered the report which set out proposals for a strategic bus service review of the council’s support for local bus services and also provided an update on the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). It was noted that the council spent £2.5m supporting bus services which were not commercially viable but deemed important and socially necessary. The review of bus services would seek to identify opportunities to improve services to deliver better value for money.

Cllr Lata Anderson addressed the committee as a visiting member and spoke in support of the proposed review. Cllr Anderson highlighted the importance of consulting with the public on services, particularly in relation to Sunday use in order to understand barriers to improving services. Cllr Anderson requested that the consultation be made available to those who did not have online access and suggested that posters be located at bus stops and shared with Town and Parish Councils to display on noticeboards.

Councillor Anna Burton addressed the committee as a visiting member and spoke in support of the review. Cllr Burton highlighted the impact that the lack of local bus services had on residents in Nantwich, particularly those travelling to appointments at Leighton Hospital. Cllr Burton asked that consideration be given to introducing a direct service for residents as soon as possible.

The committee welcomed the report and thanked officers for their work to date. The committee agreed that a key priority of the review should be to ensure direct routes for residents from towns to local hospitals. It was requested that forms were accessible for all individuals (younger individuals/vulnerable/disabled) to ensure thorough consultation. Officers agreed to share the draft BSIP with the committee prior to submission to the Department for Transport.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Highways and Transport Committee

1.    Agree a review of the supported bus network commencing in April 2024.

2.    Approve the objectives and methodology (Appendix 1) for undertaking the bus service review and delegate to the Director of Highways and Infrastructure the provision to make all necessary arrangements to complete the bus service review.

3.    Approve the proposed approach to stakeholder and public consultation in line with the Consultation and Engagement Plan at Appendix 2 and Communications Plan at Appendix 4.

4.    Delegate authority to the Director of Highways and Infrastructure to prepare the BSIP refresh in consultation with the Enhanced Partnership Board and submit a draft to DfT by their deadline of 12 June 2024. Noting that a further report to Highways and Transport Committee will follow in June 2024 seeking endorsement of this updated document.

5.    Note that a report will be provided to Highways and Transport Committee in November 2024 setting out the recommendations for the supported bus network in Cheshire East.