Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The Committee considered a report in response to the Notice of Motion proposed at Full Council on 18 October 2023 which asked for the Director of Highways and Infrastructure to develop and launch a publicity strategy to locally promote the extension and usage of the £2 bus fare cap. The motion was proposed by Councillor A Gage and seconded by Councillor H Moss.
There was an option to use some of the next tranche of Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP+) funding and this had been discussed at a recent Enhanced Partnership Board where operators were widely supportive of the proposal. The public strategy was outlined which included promotion through social media, Town and Parish newsletter, local bus user groups and advertising on vehicles who operated on routes in Cheshire East.
Members welcomed any scheme which increased bus patronage following the loss of funds related to HS2 but agreed that there needed to be more long term investment and commitment to a sustainable bus network.
Resolved (unanimously):
That the Highways and Transport Committee
1. Note the update on the £2 Fare Cap applying to local buses in England.
2. Endorse that the Council continues to work in partnership with local bus operators to publicise the fare cap.
3. Note the high level of public awareness of the fare cap and comment on the potential future opportunities for the Council to promote it further.
Publication date: 31/01/2024
Date of decision: 25/01/2024
Decided at meeting: 25/01/2024 - Highways and Transport Committee
Effective from: 08/02/2024
Accompanying Documents: