Agenda item

The City Transport Director submits a report to the commission on the work done to date regarding young person’s bus travel. Highlighting initiatives both local and national and the next stages of work.

The City Transport Director submitted a report to the commission on the work done to date regarding young person’s bus travel. Highlighting initiatives both local and national and the next stages of work.

Members of the Young People's Council (YPC) attended the meeting to share their views.

Key points included:

• The City Transport Director thanked the YPC members for their previous contributions and for their work on the survey which had been very helpful.
• Since the previous discussion on the issue, there had been a commitment to look at the measures discussed.  Some of these had been able to be launched.  The Flexi Fare cap now meant it was the cheapest day fare available.  Additionally, the cost of student tickets had allowed cheaper access to education and meant that there was no need to purchase an annual ticket.
• The change in national government had led to schemes coming forward such as the £2 bus fare cap, and the extension of the 16-17 Railcard to be valid a year from purchase, even if the person turns 18 during that time.  The Railcard also gave a discount on Flexi Fare but tickets.
• There were still commitments to address, and work was ongoing with bus operating companies and the government, lobbying for national fare initiatives and looking for opportunities for grant funding.
• It was necessary to look at the impact of the £2 fare cap, looking at the impact of the bus market and the levels of fares and subsidies.
• There would be further engagement with YPC members.

The Chair raised that it had been requested that officers look into affordable options for reduced bus fares for young people over 16. 

The City Transport Director explained that the options that had been brought in were the options that were found to be viable and affordable, such as the Flexi Fare cap and the reduction of student tickets.

The YPC members shared their views on the issue.  Key points included:

• Issues were raised surrounding frequency and reliability, and it was noted that sometimes the times on the website and those at the bus stop were inconsistent.
• Officers were thanked for what had been done so far, especially regarding the free August bus travel. It was enquired as to whether this could be extended to other holidays.
• The cumulative cost of travel for families with multiple children was highlighted as a particular concern.
• Concern was raised surrounding the safety of young people on buses and ways to report Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
• Cleanliness issues were raised.
• It was suggested that adult fares should begin at 18 rather than 16.

In response to the points raised by the YPC members, the City Transport Director noted that:

• Issues surrounding bus times would be picked up with the team.  In theory the times should work form the same data set and printed timetables should only be changed twice a year.
• The free August bus travel was a government initiative, but the Department for Transport (DfT) would look at the impact for future consideration. It was hoped that Local Authorities could contribute to initiatives.
• With regard to fares, there was a family flexi ticket, but this didn’t cover all routes or necessarily reflect the nature of families.  It was suggested that with the fare cap, group tickets may not necessarily be economic.
• Age boundaries were an issue for the bus operators, and they would need to agree, but the Council were in conversation with them as a partnership.  
• Cleanliness issues were flagged with operators as there was a minimum standard to maintain.
• With regard to passenger safety, it was important to recognise that there were obligations, and the Council were working with government guidance.  Additionally, operators were worked with, and it was expected to see progress in the future as training was rolled out to drivers.

In response to member discussion and questions, the following was noted:

• In response to queries about the costs to the Council of the schemes asked for by the YPC members, including the reduction of the student ticket, it was explained that it was all funded by the government grant project.  The costs of what was requested by the YPC members was variable, and the lowest possible fares that were affordable to the Council had been found.  Modelling had been done to work through costs.  Models had been looked at nationally and applied to the level of usage in Leicestershire to establish a ballpark cost.  This could be shared with the Commission.
• The issue of those Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) was raised, and it was suggested that assistance with bus fares could help them to participate in opportunities.  It was suggested that this could be looked at in a future meeting.
• It was uncertain at this point as to whether the Flexi Fare ticket would be impacted by the £2 bus fare cap.  The cap would be introduced in January to it would be monitored from January to April to ascertain as to whether the Flexi Fare was still giving value.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.

3)    That a report come back to the Commission to include information on the discussions between the Council and the bus operators on safety, cleanliness and reliability as well as the figures on costs and usage.