Decision details

The Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) major scheme includes the establishment of quality partnership schemes on ten bus route corridors in the West of England Partnership area. The third such scheme will cover the corridor between Bath and Bristol. This will set quality standards for bus operators who wish to use the new infrastructure and facilities.

(1) To AGREE that a Quality Partnership Scheme be made covering the bus route corridor between Bath and Bristol via Keynsham;

(2) To DELEGATE to the Divisional Director for Planning & Transport Development the power to determine the appropriate standard of services in the Quality Partnership Scheme; and

(3) To DELEGATE to the Divisional Director for Planning & Transport Development the power to decide in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport on any revisions to the standard of services in the Quality Partnership Scheme arising from the formal review process.

The recommended actions are a key part of the delivery of the GBBN major scheme

Consideration has been given to removing some of the standards of services from the quality partnership scheme and negotiating them for inclusion in the voluntary partnership agreement that will support it. This matter is still under discussion with operators and some changes may be made in the final document. The fundamental principle will remain that the substantial investment by the public sector in infrastructure should be matched by a requirement on bus operators to provide a high-quality bus service on a commercial basis with a reasonable rate of return.