Operational Delivery Group
DRAFT Minutes– 18th July 2024 11:00-13:00 (In-Person)
1. Introductions and Apologies (Keith McNally)
In attendance:
Keith McNally – CPT/chair (KM)
Danielle Hudson – City of York Council (DH)
Duncan McIntyre – City of York Council (DMc)
Julian Ridge – City of York Council (JR)
Lara Thornton – City of York Council (LT)
Laura Wright – City of York Council (LW)
Michael Moore – First Bus (MM)
Paul Turner – Transdev (PT)
Sam Fryers – City of York Council (SFr)
Stuart Fillingham – East Yorkshire (SFi)
Tom Horner – City of York Council (TH)
Michael Howard – City of York Council (MH)
Andrew McGuiness – CPT (AM)
Richard Startup – York Pullman Buses (RS)
Gary Newby – Reliance Buses (GN)
Chris Mottershaw – East Riding Council (CM)
2. Minutes and actions from previous meeting (KM)
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
ACTION NE Lincolnshire – SFi to send over demand led example to SFr.
SFr said very few proposals for small scale projects had been put forward. If no more were received within the next month, the fund would be reallocated.
The action on the data sharing agreement remained outstanding.
Regards the Passenger Liaison Group, the preference was to use the York Bus Forum, with some additional surgeries.
There had been various operator objections to the proposed funding allocations, which led to alternate proposals being tabled.
No purchase orders had been received from operators.
3. BSIP
a. Programme Update
Verbal Programme update provided by TH, TH is going to meet with DFT to ask for a potential extension on spending timescales.
Regards the P & R improvements, the intention was to allow scheduled coach access and a consultation was planned.
b. BSIP 3 Options (see attached spreadsheet)
. A shoulder peak fund was identified in response to operator comments following the April ODG meeting. Two alternate options to create this shoulder peak fund were presented; included in the attached spreadsheet. , Further clarity was sought regarding the level of detail for the funding request for the P&R services which CYC and First agreed to provide. Option 2 was approved for submission to the Dft, but any operator wishing to access either P&R funding or shoulder peak fund would need to demonstrate value for money by presenting clear plan showing how funding would be used and what the benefits would be. The process of the shoulder peak fund would be developed in partnership with operators and the detail of the P&R fund is to be circulated for comment and further approval if necessary to members of the group.
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c. BSIP Funding Approvals
All BSIP funding approvals in the enclosed Word document entitled ‘BSIP Funding Approvals’ were unanimously approved.
Progress against EP plan objectives
Brief explanation of EP plan objectives. JR explained the ambitious targets were to help with funding. When targets were set no disruption was planned for such as pandemic, cost of living crisis, wars etc. TH CYC has not fully spent capital funding so this should increase patronage. However, patronage has recovered better than in most places. JR funding did arrive late therefore we have not delivered all yet. In addition, not all aspects of the bid were granted. PT expressed how we can drawdown a lot of success such as additional funding for family tickets, young person’s fares, service enhancements etc. Not all has been achieved but there is a lot which should be celebrated. CYC will update the EP objectives and circulate a proposed set of metrics that would become a publicised progress tracker..
It was noted that there were also some gaps in the baseline data.
The EP/QBP had been publishing punctuality data for a decade.
4. Operator Updates
a. Network Changes
PT explained Transdev summer uplift of Coastliner go live on Monday with two additional trips to the coast.
b. Driver Recruitment and retention
KMc explained nationally is at a manageable level, outside of London is down to 2% from 2.4%.
5. Group updates and Actions
a. EP Forum (AMG)
AM raised forums issues that were raised on the bus shelters outside the station. Passenger numbers have been requested by the group, JR has confirmed route-level information is commercially sensitive. Task and finish group on accessibility is currently in progress.
PT experience from West Yorkshire is that data is collected on corridor aggregated basis. And that is coming in useful for tracking impact. This would highlight areas where CYC can focus work on. TH would involve ask from operators to providing this data. PT arranged a direct feed from data to them. Action: CYC to investigate.
b. Performance group (SFr)
SFr explained there has been minimum traffic issues to report on. Buses were reported to be standing at coach stops but this has since been resolved. Group starting to look at major events and planning for those. Data was being collected on average journey speed for buses in the York area to monitor traffic speed in the area.
c. Ticketing group (PT)
PT provided update on great result of family promotion, April and May exceeded what was taken last year. LT is going to pick up success stories on this. Currently developing process to sell All York tickets on operator apps. CYC in progress of formalising the apportionment approach.
d. Marketing group (LT)
Next week there will be an increase in media work for young people and the college is providing support with this as it is having a positive impact. Brightsparks are working hard on a variety of tasks such as Snapchat and tiktok adds, Consultation ongoing at the moment for Marketing. Audit of Itravel website in in progress.
e. Infrastructure group (RH)
TH provided brief update on infrastructure, Lighting upgrades in progress, 60 Battery powered RTI displays have now been installed and a further 50 are to be ordered. 66 Mains powered displays are to be upgraded, All RTI to have Audio Facilities.
f. Passenger Liaison group (DMC)
Passenger Liaison Group is going to be reviewed on how the group is set up and used. DMc has been the chair for the task and finish group and gave brief update on this. SFi has expressed how bus operators would like to work with the public on the accessibility issues.
6. Major Scheme update
Sites have been progressing quickly, Leeman Road should be complete early 2025. On station frontage project, piling work is in progress adjacent to the city walls. Final section of bridge will be removed in Autumn. As soon as a date is confirmed for this, CYC will confirm.
7. AOB
No other business has been raised.
8. Future meeting dates:
17th October 11:00-13:00 (Online)