First Group South West – Mr Alex Carter, Managing Director - attendance confirmed
Minutes:
Alex Carter, Managing Director of First Bus presented an update in relation to Taunton Bus Station and Bus Transport in Somerset West and Taunton.
The changes and developments in service provision in Taunton and the South West was set out along with the situation around the Taunton bus station closure. Following the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and update was given around the existing service provision and current capacity of services.
Debate
· Concerns were expressed over the closure of the Bus Station. Further information was requested on the details around the closure and the cost of maintenance.
· It had been determined that there would be a significant sum required for the Bus Station and its cost of repair to continue to maintain the station. It was acknowledged that the consultation of closing the station was minimal due to timescales. Both parties wanted to go through with the transaction.
· To provide the maximum level of quality service it had been determined that spending on essential costs would enable improvement and development and future services.
· Avoiding using public transport in the current context had been difficult in addressing long term service improvements. Future investment on routes and improving the fleets would be on the cards alongside extending services into the evening.
· Increased passenger numbers were usually determined on existing successful services.
· Securing funding from Somerset County Council was required to improve services in many instances.
· Central Government were covering the costs of the provision of the bus service to ensure the service broke even. The current level of service was 60% of the normal service across the district, the government guidance was 40%.
· Discussions were taking place on longer term funding of the service. The current Covid-19 funding was for a period of 12 weeks.
· Bus operators would be able to restore services when reactivation on a normal basis when required from the government. Investing in additional fleet was not possible until the service was back to normal and generating a profit post any Covid-19 restrictions.
· It was recognised that some routes were running at a reduced service due to a lack of support funding. The future of services would be considered once out of the Covid-19 restrictions.
· Concerns were expressed over a spiral of decline of some services, it was recognised that this was a demand led service. Changing of habits and lifestyles post Covid-19. First Group were the only provider of a commercial service in the area.
· A realistic view of the climate still remained even with the emphasis of the Climate Emergency agenda. There was nothing to support the investment in the short term due to the lack of profit generation and growth in the service.
· It was determined that funding for Cornwall Council bus services was at a higher level than in Somerset historically due to securing additional funding and European funding.
· It had been acknowledged that the improvements in the economy of diesel busses had a greater contribution to carbon neutrality ambitions.
· It was determined at the current range, electric buses would not suit the operating environment of Somerset.
· The approach to gauging demand was based on history and previous traditional demand. Low fares pilots were being introduced in different parts of the countries.
· Route improvements to the 29 service was considered. This service had been retendered with the new provider being First Group following this exercise and the current timetable would be maintained with no plans to change this.
· The current services were indefinite, some services were contracted with differing lengths. Delivery could not happen without the local authority to help invest in the fleet. Willingness through policy and investment was needed.
· Supporting the park and ride was a good example, advanced signage was needed but this was achieved successfully elsewhere.
· Consideration of reopening the Taunton Bus Station would be considered if this was a possibility. Facilitation of this was requested by the committee.
· The committee thanked Alex Carter for his input and attendance.
The Scrutiny Committee recommended that:-
1. The Executive opened discussions with First Group as a matter of urgency for the temporary emergency opening of the bus station with consideration of the Covid-19 situation.
2. The Executive opened discussions with both First Group and Somerset County Council on Bus Transport Strategy in Taunton and the wider district.