Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which sought approval to sign by to the Bus Emergency Scheme 2 (BES2) which would support operators through the next phase of the pandemic.

Bus travel had been severely affected by the Covid-19 situation with passenger numbers falling, whilst social distancing and additional cleansing requirements had placed added burdens and costs on operators.  BES2 was the latest scheme which followed two previous ones – BES1 in July and BES1.5 in August, 2020.  By signing this latest agreement, councils could secure Welsh Government (WG) financial support for the bus sector and allow WG to establish a relationship with local authorities that ensured the ongoing emergency funding meet those authorities’ priorities and was delivered on their behalf.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) reported that WG, working with Transport for Wales (TfW), was now proposing to enter into this longer-term BES2 agreement with operators and Local Authorities to protect services.  He advised that if reassurance could be provided that core bus routes could continue to operate moving forward, then councils would be in a position to provide local services to feed into the core services and provide a regular, affordable and reliable service for all residents in Flintshire. 

Councillor Bithell welcomed the report and commented on public transport being essential to ensure residents across the County stayed connected.  He raised concern around bus timetables and the need to ensure that they were regularly updated.  In response, Councillor Thomas supported the need for all residents to have access to clear up to date information and advised that the BES2 agreement would ensure services remained the same for a longer period, therefore reducing the need to regularly change bus timetables.

Councillor Jones outlined the importance of keeping communities connected to address loneliness and isolation and the impact this has on mental health and wellbeing.  Councillor Thomas agreed, saying that bus transport should also be seen as a service which supported wellbeing.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Cabinet approves that the Council should sign up to the BES 2 agreement (Appendix 1) as regional lead authority, in order to secure (conditional) WG financial support for the bus sector and to allow WG to establish a relationship with their constituent local authorities that ensures the ongoing emergency funding meets those authorities’ priorities and is delivered on their behalf; and

(b)       That Cabinet request a further report on bus reform proposals relating to the future management of bus services in Wales.