Decision details

Purpose of Report: To update the Executive on various issues around York's bus network, particularly the clean air zone, potential electronification of the bus network following new government funds for bus services and decisions on supported bus services in York.

The Executive will be asked to note the contents of the report, to make decisions around potential opportunities for the further electrification of York's bus network and the continuation or otherwise of the some supported bus services in York.

Resolved:  (i)      That it be noted that Clean Air Zone upgrade grant has been allocated to meet the requirements of York’s Clean Air Zone and that operators are now procuring new buses or fitting existing buses with upgrade kits.

Reason:     To support delivery of the Clean Air Zone programme, in line with Council Plan objectives.

                   (ii)      That the current trial of retro-fitted electric tour buses be ended and discussions entered into with DEFRA to re-allocate the funding within the York bus network.

Reason:     The trial of retro-fitted electric open top buses has fallen short of the operators’ requirements and exploring the scope for re-use of the funds will allow a new approach to be identified which will best achieve air quality objectives in York.

                   (iii)     That the council submit an Expression of Interest to the Department for Transport’s Electric Bus Tour Fund on 30 April.

Reason:     A successful bid would improve air quality in York by increasing the proportion of the bus network operated by electric buses.

                   (iv)    That the council not submit an Expression of Interest to the Superbus Fund, but instead monitor Department for Transport (DfT) activity for future bidding opportunities to similar funds and develop projects in conjunction with the LTP refresh.

Reason:     Enquiries with the DfT have confirmed that York is not eligible for Superbus funding; however, attracting funding for a similar project in the future would be an opportunity to improve York’s bus network.

                   (v)     That the council support ongoing provision of services 3A and 12 using monies from the council Bus Service Operator Grant (BSOG) allocation, and allow expenditure of BSOG in York on other supported bus services at the discretion of the Executive Member for Transport.

Reason:     To allow continuation of a well-used service that would otherwise not be affordable within the council’s supported bus services constraints, and to allow the council flexibility to subsidise other bus services as and when required to support Council Plan objectives.

                   (vi)    That the council claim an £83.5k allocation from the DfT to support additional tendered bus services, noting the delegated decision about which routes to support that was taken by the Director of Economy & Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport and submitted to the DfT.

Reason:     To increase the number and variety of bus services available to York residents in line with the objectives of the DfT administered fund.