Agenda item

To update the Committee on the progress to date.

To accept the report and note the observations received.

The Head of Environment Department submitted the report and he began by reminding the Committee of the main matters around public transport, i.e. the cost, over-reliance on specific companies and people's over-reliance on buses. It was emphasised that the bus network had developed recently and it was reiterated that the residents' needs had changed as a result of a change in practices over the pandemic.

A discussion was held on the main matters under consideration when creating the strategic review in question, which included the following:

- Identifying the need in each community as some were wholly dependent on specific routes in order to meet their basic needs.

- The engagement work that had taken place locally in order to use the responses to identify the need.

- Identifying the social value of investing in public transport services.

- The committee was reminded that Gwynedd's position as a more rural area created more challenges around transport needs.

- A discussion was held on encouraging passengers to travel on buses once more following a period of low use.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by members:-

- Gratitude was expressed for the useful information within the report and it was noted that losing services in some communities had been a blow, as many people needed them in order to visit the dentist or doctor.

- It was proposed that there was a need to look at the bus timetable, e.g. offering an earlier service in order to use this for work or education purposes.

- Clarity was sought on the bus timetable and services as mentioned in page 33 of the Agenda regarding the Bus Service number 14 following the University's report.

- Enquiries were made as to whether there had been discussions on the shuttle buses as they finished early, and that later journeys would be advantageous so that towns and

villages could benefit from visitors.

- It was reiterated that later buses would enable people to park in Caernarfon and travel to Snowdonia, rather than park by the mountains.

- Enquiries were made as to whether the timetable reflected the current needs of locals as the buses were passing by half-empty.

- It was reiterated that there was a need to encourage former passengers to return to using the buses and there was a high social value if people used them to go shopping and for similar journeys.

In response to the members’ observations, the Head of Environment Department noted the following:-

- That the department sought to put pressure on Welsh Government to review their timetables, however, they were eager to have a relatively swift journey through Wales.

- It was noted that it should be suggested to Welsh Government that every other T2 service travelled into communities and that the rest travelled more directly through Wales.

- It was explained that a climate change department had been established within the Government and that they were focusing on public transport and on trains and buses in order to reduce the carbon footprint.

- In relation to the parking situation for visiting Snowdonia, it was noted that work was being done jointly with the National Park in order to look at solutions to reduce the use made of personal transport.

- It was agreed that there was a need to tweak the timetable so that earlier and later journeys occurred.

- It was noted that the foundation of the work before the committee today was to investigate whether the current service was fit for purpose and met the needs of users.

- It was reiterated that there was a need to plan for all users, although everyone's needs were different.

- The officer noted they would contact the member regarding Bus Service Number 14 with more information.

RESOLVED

To accept the report and note the observations received.