Agenda item

This report informs the Executive Member of the results of the trial re-routeing of bus 21 to serve Temple Lane in Copmanthorpe following an ongoing and thorough review of passenger use.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)        Route 21 being restored to its former routeing but operating to the revised timetable shown in Annex C, of the report, with effect from 31 August  2010.

ii)            Affected residents being advised of the decision and  the alternative transport options that are available to them.

REASON:                  The diversion to serve Temple Lane is unpopular with the majority of passengers and is of little benefit as usage from this area has been and continues to be far below that necessary to justify the additional costs borne by the Council. Adoption of the recommendation will meet the demands and requirements of the majority of users whilst providing a substantial saving in Council funding.

The Executive Member considered a report, which informed him of the results of the trial re-routing of bus service nos. 21 to serve Temple Lane in Copmanthorpe. Following an ongoing and thorough review of passenger use the results had shown that predicted loadings to and from the Temple Lane area had failed to materialise and the extended journey times, which resulted, acted as a deterrent to passengers from other areas.

The Executive Member confirmed that it was disappointing that the promised usage levels for the Temple Lane diversion had not materialised but that he would ask Officers to arrange for a leaflet to be distributed to affected households reminding them of the ‘dial and ride’ alternative.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

1.      Restore route 21 to its former routeing and timetable, as shown in Annex B, saving the Council £6000 per annum over current cost.

2.         Restore route 21 to its former routeing but with a timetable revised to reflect demand indicated by recent surveys conducted to demonstrate usage and travel patterns, as shown in Annex C and likely to save the Council approximately £9000 per annum over current cost.

3.         Retain the experimental routeing and timetable at current cost.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)Route 21 being restored to its former routeing but operating to the revised timetable shown in Annex C, of the report, with effect from 31 August 2010. ^1.

ii)Affected residents being advised of the decision and the alternative transport options that are available to them. ^2.

REASON:                  The diversion to serve Temple Lane is unpopular with the majority of passengers and is of little benefit as usage from this area has been and continues to be far below that necessary to justify the additional costs borne by the Council. Adoption of the recommendation will meet the demands and requirements of the majority of users whilst providing a substantial saving in Council funding.