Issue - meetings

That:

1)        Option 4 be implemented as presented in the report that maintains for one year an hourly service on the existing 19a and 19c bus routes, whilst a new contract is put in place through a tender process;

2)        options be explored to make the provision of these bus routes more financially sustainable through identifying alternative sources of funding.

3)        a supplementary estimate for £35,225 for 17/18 be approved and the pressure of £8,958 growth for 18/19 be noted.

The Executive considered a report setting out options for the provision of the 19a and 19c bus routes; the contract for which was due to come to an end in September 2017.

The Executive Member for Highways and Transport advised the meeting that the 19a and 19c bus routes were services, including providing access to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading town centre, which offered lifelines to some of the most deprived and vulnerable residents in the Woodley and Earley area.   Due to rising costs Reading Buses was now requiring a higher subsidy from the Council who were now having to look at not only the benefits  to residents but the overall cost of providing such services. 

Councillor Bowring advised that the previous contract had expired in May but following protracted negotiations the contract was extended until September 2017.  An interim arrangement was now being considered to safeguard the valued service over the next 12 months.  Members were advised that Option 4 was the preferred option as it best maintained the current service in terms of route and frequency of service for a reasonable cost to the Council.

Councillor Ashwell asked if consideration had been given to carrying out a review of all bus services supported by the Council and it was agreed that it was probably an opportune time to consider the Council’s strategy, including ways of trying to get people to use their cars less and use public transport more.

Although supportive of the proposal Councillor Jorgensen felt that there was a need to look at the way services would be provided in the future and the routes that the buses followed.  In particular there was a need to consider a more direct route for the 19a and 19c buses. 

The Leader of Council gave thanks to the bus company for agreeing to let the Council place advertising on these buses  and also for the partnership working.

RESOLVED that:

1)        Option 4 be implemented as presented in the report that maintains for one year an hourly service on the existing 19a and 19c bus routes, whilst a new contract is put in place through a tender process;

2)        options be explored to make the provision of these bus routes more financially sustainable through identifying alternative sources of funding;

3)        a supplementary estimate for £35,225 for 17/18 be approved and the pressure of £8,958 growth for 18/19 be noted.