Issue - meetings

A joint bid to the Department for Transport by the West of England Partnership authorities for designation of a network of key bus service corridors as a Better Bus Area.  The government’s aim for the funding is for it to be used to increase bus patronage in busy urban areas, in support of creating growth and cutting carbon emissions.

Councillor Caroline Roberts introduced the item by explaining that the government wanted to change the way it allocated grants to bus operators by devolving the decisions to councils, in return for a 20% increase in the funds.  It was anticipated that the fund would be administered by a partnership board of operators and councils.  She referred to the appendix, which listed the outline proposals which would form part of the bid.  She assured Cabinet that, even if the bid was unsuccessful, she would still aspire to the list.

She moved the proposals.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposals, which he felt strongly were part of the Council’s planning to avoid jams as experienced in Bristol and elsewhere.

Councillor Tim Ball felt that this report had been long-awaited and would improve the bus users’ experience.

Councillor Simon Allen felt that the proposals were an ideal opportunity to improve the Council’s working with bus operators.

On a motion from Councillor Caroline Roberts, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that a bid should be submitted to the Department for Transport for designation of a network of key bus service corridors in Bath & North East Somerset as part of a Better Bus Area in conjunction with other West of England Partnership authorities and local bus operators; and

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director for Planning & Transport Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, to approve the final details of the bid.