Agenda item

·         Bus Update

·         Concessionary Travel

·         Education Transport

·         Public Transport Review

(attached)

The report was noted and accepted.

The report was presented by Iwan Prys Jones and Peter Daniels

RESOLVED

The report was noted and accepted.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, noting the problems that had arisen in terms of the system for re-allocating free concessionary travel cards which expired on 31 December 2019. It was expressed that the website to re-register had crashed, and the need to do something in North Wales was emphasised. Nevertheless, it was noted that Transport for Wales had noted that there would be more resources to assist the Councils and that the website would be back on-line before the end of the week. It was emphasised that there had been a great impact on the Councils.

It was emphasised that Welsh Government had noted that the age that people could apply for a free Concessionary Travel Card had changed and, consequently, a higher number of people had applied before the age change. It was expressed that problems had arisen on-line and that not everyone was aware of the change. It was noted that the situation was difficult as Transport for Wales was on-line and applicants were being referred to their local councils for support to go on-line. As the website had crashed, paper forms were available temporarily. It was expressed that the Councils had capacity to assist to an extent, with lost cards or with disabilities, but that re-applying for the cards had much higher numbers. It was noted how different authorities had dealt with the matter.

It was emphasised that this was a developing matter, and that Transport for Wales had noted that additional resources were being offered temporarily. It was noted that the Sub-group would send a letter to Welsh Government, noting concern about this matter in the long-term in terms of travel cards. It was determined that Welsh Government needed to be asked about a long-term plan and the impact of this on Local Government, and whether everything would be in place by the end of December, as well as whether the equality act had been considered.

Amendments to the Public Service Vehicle Regulations

It was noted in January that the Public Service Vehicle Regulations requirement would be extended to every coach, which raised concerns as not many coaches had wheelchair access. It was asked whether it would impact school transport, and it was noted that it would not unless authorities charged a fee for transport. It was expressed that every authority would be struck, possibly not financially, but politically.

It was expressed that the main matter was that there were not enough vehicles available with the required access. The things some authorities were doing was noted, but it was emphasised that it would raise problems. It was explained that to a degree, there were two options - to pay for new vehicles or not to charge a fee. However, it was expressed that the second option would have an impact. It was discussed that it was possibly a good idea to send a letter to the Minister to have a transitional period in order to give the authorities an opportunity to work and to see how it would impact some schools that had private contracts. It was emphasised that there would be more of an impact on rural areas, therefore an impact assessment on pupils needed to be carried out.

It was noted that it would be possible to combine both matters - Changes to the Public Service Vehicle Regulations and the free Concessionary Travel Cards - on one letter to Welsh Government.

Review of the Regional Bus Network

It was expressed that an additional resource was required to look further into this, and that a brief had been created which would be sent out in the coming weeks. It was added that the review would be funded by Welsh Government to co-ordinate buses regionally. It was emphasised that hopefully the review could see whether there were resolutions to the problems that were to be seen in the region.

Attention was drawn to the Transport White Paper, noting that it focused on the management of bus networks. It was added that the new White Paper, which was supposed to be submitted in October, would need to be looked at further.