Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the changes to the final LTP Strategy and to comment on the draft LTP implantation plan.

Consideration was given to a report which outlined the proposed changes to the Local Transport Plan (LTP) strategy as a result of public consultation and set out the draft implementation plan, which would be aligned with the Government’s four year spending review period (April 2011 to March 2015).

The draft implementation plan contained details of the initiatives which would be delivered in order to meet the objectives and priorities for transport set out in the 15 year LTP strategy. A four week period of public consultation on the draft implementation plan began on the 18 January and would run until 16 February.

It was reported that the wide consultation process including Member events had resulted in some amendments and that some policies were still to be developed.

Members of the Committee made the following comments and observations:

·        With regard to paragraph 3.49 – Strategic Rail Infrastructure, Members agreed that the high speed rail network that would be serving the North West should stop within Cheshire East and agreed that the wording should be amended to reflect this.

·        With regard to the feasibility study of the tram-train opportunities in the north of the borough, it was agreed that the continuation of the freight trains would need to be considered. It was highlighted that all Member issues would be considered within the feasibility study and that Crewe would not form part of the study as it was a main line station.

·        With regard to paragraph 3.50 – South East Manchester Modal Study (SEMMMS), it was agreed that this should be amended to reflect both road and rail schemes.

·        That proposals to introduce a check in counter for Manchester Airport at Crewe Station be progressed.

·        With regard to the Dial-a-ride service, it was noted that there were no proposals to stop the service; however efficiency savings were currently being investigated.

·        It was noted that the possibility of issuing taxi tokens would be investigated over the next 12 months.

·        It was agreed that more detail was required as to how the bus service was to be reviewed, especially since the demise of Public Transport Liaison Committees. Members were informed that there was currently an Officer/Bus Company Forum which could be widened to include Members.

RESOLVED

1.      That the changes to the final LTP Strategy which had been agreed by Cabinet as a result of the first phase of public consultation be noted.

2.      That the comments highlighted above on the draft LTP implementation plan be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

3.      That the possibility of the Officer/Bus Company Forum being widened to include Members be progressed.