Minutes:
The Head of the Passenger Transport Unit reported that there a consultation currently open (closes 12th January 2018) on the Welsh Concessionary Fares Scheme https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/mandatory-concessionary-fares-scheme-wales and everyone was encouraged to respond to it as it contains relevant questions regarding future delivery. There are no indications that there is a move away from free travel but there are questions about whether availability should be at all times or off peak and if there should be a charge for bus passes. There are a number of questions for local government. It was explained that Monmouthshire pays the largest contribution into the scheme at 30% with examples given of Newport City Council (27%) and Cardiff (6%). Consequently, the Council will be writing a letter to the Minister for a more equitable approach or a reduction.
It was added that the Youth Concessionary Fare Scheme also under consultation closing on the 4th January 2018. https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/discounted-bus-travel-younger-people-wales
It was explained that there is also Transport Select Committee papers in parliament regarding community transport and how it’s run currently due to a number of complaints from bus operators about the commercial nature of the business (mostly in England). A consultation exercise is expected. The Council will be responding as a community transport operator.
It was reported that the Stagecoach had withdrawn the 45 Service in Abergavenny as it was no longer commercially viable and also handed back the 47 Service from February 2018. Another operator took over the 45 Service (now A2) this week. The 47 Service is under review to potentially link with other services.
It was explained that Sunday Services will be re-tendered next year and there will be a consultation on their continuation.
The Council is in discussions with Welsh Government regarding regional bus funding noting no account is taken of rurality; the Bus Service Support Grant (BSSG) is distributed on a percentage basis only. A number of rural counties are writing a paper to request more funding for rural bus services. Urban councils don’t require so much funding as their services are mainly commercial. Monmouthshire only has two commercial services (X3 and X4).
As there are fewer/no passengers on the later runs, the timetable of the 65 Service (Chepstow to Monmouth via Devauden and Trellech) is under review to make the route more demand responsive, retain sustainability and to improve infrastructures in the area.
Regarding publicity and information, there are no resources available and some of the timetable cases (especially in the Severnside Area) are broken so information is often out of date and cannot be updated. It was explained that a funding bid will be made to improve infrastructures in the Severnside area to enable provision of updated information. There is not a wealth of operators to work with to secure bus services and it is a struggle to keep services running within the available funding.
Transport for Wales have an integrated alliance board working on improving bus corridors and patronage. It was reported that the council is also working with Welsh Government on a Traws Cymru route from Brecon to Chepstow (Brecon to Monmouth / Monmouth to Chepstow via the Wye Valley) for next year. Once this service is in place, it will enhance any bid to upgrade Abergavenny Station by enabling a potential upgrade of bus shelters and other work to establish a connection into the railway station.
A Group Member thanked the Head of the Passenger Transport Unit for his work to retain the 45 service. She also supported work to improve timetable information.