Decision details

Purpose of Report to inform the Executive of options to stabilise the local bus network (as government support post Covid ends and within the context of a national driver shortage), whilst maintaining the objective to enhance the network within York's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The Executive will be asked to agree Actions to Stabilise the Bus Network within York.

Decision due date for Executive changed from 22/11/2022 to 22/12/2022.  Reason: The report is being deferred in order that Executive can consider the outcome of a significant number of applications for service changes that have been made in the last few days, further discussions with the bus industry will help to inform the appropriate response at December Executive to the current significant challenges that the whole bus network is facing.

Resolved: 

                      i.         That the principle that maintaining the extent of the bus network is the key priority within the budgets available be agreed, and that preserving the routes takes priority over preserving bus frequency, to the extent that the council won’t fund current commercial services where a reduction in frequency is an option for the operator without significant impact on communities.

Reason:     Keeping the bus network, even with a reduced frequency if necessary, gives a better basis to build back in the future. There is limited funding to deliver bus subsidy.

                     ii.         That authority be delegated to the Director of Transport, Environment & Planning (in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Executive Member for Transport and the Director of Governance, Section 151 Officer or their delegated officers) to:

a.   work with the Enhanced Bus Partnership to deliver bus support funding through the BSIP allocation;

b.   reduce bus frequency requirements of subsidised bus services to maintain the network if the overall bus subsidy is greater than the budget;

c.   work with all partners, Bus Operators, North Yorkshire County Council and the YNYLEP to identify ways of encouraging recruitment and driver training;

d.   work with the Park and Ride Operator towards reopening Poppleton Bar Park and Ride and returning all other Park and Ride sites to pre-pandemic levels of service by Easter 2023.

Reason:     To give officers the flexibility to act at pace and ensure the services are maintained.

                    iii.        That the removal of the bus subsidy criteria for a period of one year be approve.

Reason:     To give officers the flexibility to maintain services within the budget.

                   iv.        That a report be brought to Executive in the summer providing an update on the Government funding situation, the current levels of bus usage, the progress of action identified in the current report and the impact on bus services.

Reason:     To enable Executive to have oversight and to review the options and next steps.