Agenda item

Representatives from the bus companies have been invited to attend the meeting for this item.

Councillor Bull asked the representatives from the bus companies to introduce themselves and address the issue.

James Freeman – First Bus (West of England)  introduced himself and his colleague Andrew Sherringham. He explained that nobody likes removing bus services but the 38 is a victim of changing travel patterns and services. He explained that there are 3 buses an hour from Keynsham to Bath and the X39 (Bath to Bristol) every 12 minutes. He further explained that the Park Estate is served twice an hour. He explained the current bus services in the area and stated that it may not be ideal but it means that there is a sustainable operation that covers its costs and is the least bad option.

Alan Peters – Abus – explained that he had instigated the changes due to metro bus changes in Bristol and the work in Keynsham Town Centre (which meant the loss of the Park Estate pick up point for two years) all of which meant Abus started to incur a loss on the 349 service which was the mainstay of the company. The current service – 2 buses an hour to Bristol with connections to Bath came as a result of a meeting with BANES and First Bus.

Martin Curtis – Bath Bus Company  - explained that the company is totally commercial and runs the Air Decker (Airport Bus) which is almost running 24hours per day. He explained that generally the service is growing, especially from Bath.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hale asked what plans were in place to service the new developments in Keynsham, including Bilbie Green. He also asked if the X39 could be diverted through Keynsham. James Freeman (First Bus) explained that the X39 could not be diverted as the service is heavily used and this would cause disruption. Alan Peters (Abus) explained that Abus Saturday journeys run by Bilbie Green, he said that it was disappointing that there is not connecting road in the back of the development. He was not sure how the other developments in Keynsham will be served. Martin Curtis (Bath Bus Company) explained that he had looked at the housing development and it is not bus friendly at all.

Councillor Hale asked if, in future, Councillors could get advance notice when a route is going to be lost. Alan Peters explained that the period of notice give to the Council was shorter then he would like but it had to be done this way due to the heavy losses.  James Freeman (First Bus) added that it is good to talk in advance but bus companies work under restrictions.

Regarding the Chandag Estate, James Freeman (First Bus) explained that it is directly served by the 665 or users walk to Wellsway and get the 178, overall the 178 is gaining patronage. Councillor Butters mentioned that there may be scope for a user group in this area. James Freeman stated that it is always better to talk to people, he referred to the Keynsham Bus Guide and asked if Keynsham Town Council would like to distribute leaflets.

The Chair thanked the representatives from the bus companies for attending the meeting.