To discuss the provision of bus services in the Humberstone, Hamilton and Netherhall areas of the City. The following bus company representatives have been invited to attend the meeting: -
Steve Zanker representing First Leicester
Steve Smith representing Arriva Midlands
Carl Grayston representing Thurmaston Bus.
Minutes:
The following people attended the meeting to discuss local bus service provision: -
Steve Smith - Arriva Midlands
Steve Zanker - First Leicester
Carl Grayston - Thurmaston Bus
Julian Heubeck - Public Transport Co-ordinator
Leicester City Council
It was stated that there were ongoing issues around the provision of bus services in the area, particularly in the New Romney Crescent area of Netherhall estate.
Steve Zanker stated that First Leicester had no plans to make any further bus route changes in the area and realised that there were issues around the New Romney Crescent area, although to run a service here was not commercially viable. In 2008 a decision had been taken to link existing services across from Thurnby Lodge to Netherhall, in effect bringing extra buses into the area.
First Leicester/Arriva operated commercial services. Services that were not commercially viable could be subsidised by the City Council, subject to certain criteria being met.
In response to several comments from the public regarding the 38/38A service to Netherhall/Thurnby Lodge and of the attitude of some drivers. Steve suggested that the publicised Customer Call line be used to convey any concerns to First Leicester, where all comments were responded to and recorded.
In response to a comment from a member of the public it was stated that smaller vehicles at off peak periods would not be economically viable as they could only be utilised on certain routes and they still required the costs of a driver and regular maintenance, as well as having shorter life spans than full size vehicles. Overall bus companies favoured larger vehicles, as they were more economical overall.
Steve Smith responded to a comment around the possible reinstatement of the former 18 bus service to Keyham Lane. Steve stated that the service had been started in 2002 and funded as part of a section 106 agreement relating to the then new Hamilton development. Funding for the route ceased in 2006 and, as the route was not commercially viable, it was stopped and there were no plans to reinstate the route. In response to a question about provision of a bus service to the Danbury Gardens Steve stated that the area would not sustain a commercial service but, should the City Council wish to fund such a service, then it could be provided.
A member of the public stated that since the 1985 Transport Act when the bus industry outside London was de-regulated there had been a number of issues around multi-national companies and the provision of services. Currently the Competition Commission were part way through an investigation into the supply of bus services in the United Kingdom, excluding Northern Ireland and London, with a completion expected by June 2011.
Steve Zanker stated that both First Leicester and Arriva Midlands were part of multi-national companies and were driven by shareholders to make profits, although it was realised that customers needed to be looked after to achieve these profits. In developing bus routes most companies targeted frequent bus users such as commuters and shoppers. People who visited libraries and doctors surgeries were not regarded as frequent users.
Julian Heubeck stated that, with regard to bus shelters at Hamilton, the City Council had a programme to locate bus shelters and he would liaise with the person who had raised the issue.
Carl Grayston stated that Thurmaston Bus was looking to expand and was a small company, and were willing to listen to comments from local residents. Several residents stated that they would be interested in meeting with Thurmaston Bus to discuss bus service provision.
Julian Heubeck stated, in response to concerns expressed about the lack of a bus service on Keyham Lane, that the City Council had been in discussion with First/Arriva about providing such a service but without success. The City Council had now utilised one of the Council’s own vehicles on a limited service in the morning and afternoon one day per week to link the local shops, libraries and doctors. Whilst the provision of such a service was welcomed it was stated that such a provision only operated once per week meaning that it was impossible to combine shopping and medical visits in one journey. Julian stated that it appeared that consideration to expand the service was required.
Steve Zanker stated, in response to criticisms of the Star Trak bus information system that First Leicester were part of a local partnership that operated Star Trak. Some of the buses were not fitted with the necessary equipment, or the equipment was faulty. Discussions had taken place and it had been accepted that instead of * symbol appearing on Star Trak signs, in the absence of an actual time, that the timetabled arrival time of the next bus should be shown instead.
The guest representatives from local bus companies were thanked for attending the meeting and their input was appreciated.