Issue - meetings

This report considers the current subsidised bus network in York and presents a draft revised network of routes for the consideration and approval of the Executive Member. The decision will inform the contents of an open tendering exercise to be undertaken early in the new year.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees:

i) That the proposed network of bus routes, as detailed in Option E of the officer report, be tendered in December 2010 for introduction from September 2011.

ii)                  To the withdrawal of services as indicated in the officer report.

iii)                To request officers to report back if there are significant implications for the City caused by any reductions in subsidised bus services which may be agreed by neighbouring authorities.

REASON:                  This course of action will meet with the current efficiency agenda of the Council whilst providing the most comprehensive and attractive network of bus routes which will retain an acceptable level of bus provision across the City.

The Executive Member was presented with a report, which set out details of the current subsidised bus network in York and the draft, revised, network of routes for his consideration. The decision would inform the contents of an open tendering exercise to be undertaken early in the new year prior to the expiry of existing service contracts in September 2011.

Officers reported that North Yorkshire County Council had now made public their proposals for service changes. These mainly affected Sunday and evening services which would have had some implications for the York area.

The Executive Member reported receipt of a late representation from Cllr Merrett who had raised a number of issues regarding services. He confirmed that he would ask Officers to examine these issues outside the meeting.

The Executive Member confirmed that there was a need for effective and efficient bus services whilst maximising customer accessibility and gaining the best value for money.

He then gave consideration to the following options:

a.     Tender the existing bus network, retaining all current bus routes

b.     Tender the existing bus network, discontinuing those routes which do not meet Council criteria for subsidy (in bold at Table A)

c.      Withdraw Council subsidy for all evening bus services

d.     Withdraw Council subsidy for all Sunday bus services

e.     Tender the network of services outlined at Table B, withdrawing the worst performing elements of the bus network.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees:

i) That the proposed network of bus routes, as detailed in Option E of the officer report, be tendered in December 2010 for introduction from September 2011.

ii)                  To the withdrawal of services as indicated in the officer report. ^1.

iii)                To request officers to report back if there are significant implications for the City caused by any reductions in subsidised bus services which may be agreed by neighbouring authorities. ^2.

REASON:                  This course of action will meet with the current efficiency agenda of the Council whilst providing the most comprehensive and attractive network of bus routes, which will retain an acceptable level of bus provision across the City.