Agenda and minutes

No declarations of Interest were made.

The Group welcomed Tony Meacham, Transport for Wales (TfW) who provided a presentation on the review of bus services.

The following points were covered:

·         TfW is creating a programme business case.

·         Need identified for a national bus network, integrated and better co-ordinated ticketing and back office across public transport in Wales and integrated responsive transport with a broad spectrum of users (children and young people travelling to education, health appointments, social, community etc.).

·         No intention to centralise decision-making for transport as local decision making is key.  There may be a co-ordination function.

·         Options include: i) do minimum, ii) re-prioritise, iii) improve, iv) transform or v) revolutionise.

·         TfW to deliver replacement for concessionary card scheme on behalf of local authorities who are the statutory providers.  There will be a national system to provide consistency across buses and trains.  This is a challenging project to deliver in a short timescale.  New cards will be issued from 1^st August 2019.

·         National bus survey:  This has concentrated on Cardiff, Wrexham and Pembrokeshire as representative case studies of similar areas in Wales. ARUPs is working on what services in these regions would look like and is identifying schemes.  Outcomes will form part of the business case.  It is fully taken into account that local people and local government understand their areas best.

·         Integrated Responsive Transport; may be suitable for some rural routes to feed into core routes.

·         Multimodal and cross operator ticketing.

The chair thanked Tony Meacham for his presentation and invited questions and comments as follows:

·         A Group Member explained about the campaign for a new walkway station at Magor which is looking to deliver integrated transport.  The unique business plan addressed all relevant points for new station funding but the GRIP 2 application was unsuccessful as the business plan was incomplete.  There was encouragement to continue.  However, local transport funding was applied for and not granted.  In response, the frustrations were agreed with, clarifying that TfW is the operational and delivery arm whereas funding is decided at Welsh Government.  It was recommended that the matter is raised again with Welsh Government officials and also to Keolis Amey who may be interested in developing new stations, revenue and integrated travel.  It was confirmed that the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, plus the MP and AM will be meeting with Welsh Government officials.  It was suggested that there may be other opportunities for funding schemes via different avenues e.g. social inclusion, active travel.

·         A Group Member was interested in the bus review and observed that rural bus services are not well promoted, information is poor (bus stop panels are often empty and dirty), there are poor connections and limited connectivity with other services.  It was added that passenger power can be harnessed e.g. to generate new users and wider engagement with service operators. Reliability and consistency are also key in terms of services operating to timetable, consistency of vehicle and willingness to work in partnership.  Possible areas for communities’ participation were identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The Passenger Transport Manager introduced the White Paper: Improving Public Transport with opportunity for consultation.  The consultation questions were explained and feedback invited as follows.  Comments will also be accepted by the end of the month and will be added into the response.

Bus Services and Joint Transport Authorities:

Question 1: Do you agree that it is important for local authorities to work together with regard to local bus services?

·         It was explained that the authority works regionally with the Cardiff Capital Regional Transport Authority but there are no national standards or information. 

·         It is essential for local authorities to work together in the planning and operation of local bus services as many services cross into other authorities, and cross border. 

·         A regional standard for bus infrastructure, operating standards and public transport information would all be of benefit to authorities and service users.

·         Provision and commissioning of local bus services requires standard terms and conditions.  There is a regional quality standard in South East Wales that all bus operators have to adhere to but this is not the case for all Wales.

·         It is easier for bus service operators to work on a regional basis for administrative purposes e.g. concessionary fares.

·         Staff resources are limited in authorities, sharing services and not duplicate activities would be a benefit.

Question 2. Please provide comments on the proposed organisational structures; preferred option and why?

·         A national joint transport authority, if formed, would be responsible for setting policy, legislation, funding levels, setting infrastructure standards, contract standards, quality bus partnerships, possible franchising and provision of information and ticketing for all Wales.  The Board would consist of Officers and local authority Member representatives.  Welsh Government want Ministers running the Board which could cause conflict of interest.  To avoid Ministers’ involvement in operational matters, there must be a clearly defined structure.

·         It was questioned if three regional transport authorities was sufficient.  In the Autumn there will be another white paper on regional transport authorities focussing on operational functions to deliver local transport.  There is confusion on the functions and powers for the regional transport authorities. As well as buses, school buses, community transport etc. have to be taken into account; also how many functions stay with the local authority.

Question 3. Is there another organisational structure for JTAs to consider?

·         SE Wales is the most populated area and we should question our level of influence on the running of operations, monies and duties, as the largest rural authority in the region.

Question 4. Comments on the proposal that Welsh Ministers should be represented on JTA?

·         Comments were invited on the possible options.

Question 5: Comments on Welsh Ministers being able to issue guidance and directions, and to intervene where a JTA is failing to exercise its functions effectively?

·         Guidance, directions and interventions within a framework would be welcomed.

Question 6. Is the proposed division of national and regional functions appropriate?

·         This depends on the division of functions between strategic and operational, national and regional.

Question 7:  Should  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Head of Planning, Housing and Place-Shaping attended to provide an update on the Local Development Plan (LDP); the statutory plan for the future development of land use in the County to last until 2033.  The items regarding the LDP and the Local Transport Plan (LTP) were considered together.

The three and a half year timeline that started in May 2018 was shared. We are currently at the point looking at Issues, Objectives and Vision moving to Growth levels and options in May 2019, and adoption in December 2021.

Suggestions for candidate sites have been sought and a list published.  The sites could potentially provide a maximum of 50,000 homes.  However, it was noted that no candidate sites have been assessed to date.

Key issues have been picked out from the public wellbeing plan and address the main challenges of demography, economic base, housing prices and affordability, infrastructure, job availability and attractiveness of the County to incoming businesses and investment etc.

The LDP can look to tackle some of these issues and others such as cost of commuting, environmental impact and also reflecting national planning policy to reduce the need for travel or providing opportunities for sustainable travel.

It was noted that the Local Transport Plan will run in parallel with the LDP.  Input on infrastructure and development opportunities was welcomed from the Group.  Questions were invited:

·         Regarding addressing healthy lifestyles, a Group Member referred to the bid for a new walkway station at Magor, acknowledged the support so far from the authority and queried if any more can be done.  It was responded that the work so far can continue to help inform infrastructure.  It was suggested that the walkway station could be put forward as a candidate site in November with a caveat that inclusion may be removed according to the views of the inspectorate.  It was agreed that the proposed station is intended to be a community hub so could be tied into the LDP accordingly.

·         The Chair informed the group of the campaign to reduce traffic from the route between Lydney and Chepstow, and to seek a direct rail route from Lydney/Chepstow to Bristol and Wales.  It was agreed that there are also insufficient trains and that there is impatience for improvements. The Transport Planning & Policy Officer confirmed that Lydney is always included in discussions and assured that the authorities are working together.  There were no positive updates in relation to the new franchise, there is commitment for an hourly service and not for an accessible turn up and go service, same for Bristol services.  It was confirmed that discussions continue. It was agreed that it may be worth an approach to the Secretary of State, David Davies MP and Mark Harper MP from the Gateway for Wales aspect. 

The Head of Planning, Housing and Place Shaping advised that there is a duty to work alongside neighbouring authorities and confirmed that we are working with all.

It was added that it is important to consider how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Discussed as per previous item.

The Head of Operations provided an update on the Chepstow Transport Study.  The study considers issues surrounding transport congestion, impact of road travellers to and from Forest of Dean and Chepstow.

Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire County Councils have jointly funded Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance at Stage 1 (WelTAG) which has been prepared by Capita to consider all transport opportunities with input also from Forest of Dean and other partners.  Three major recommendations were put forward.

1.    Chepstow By-Pass via Beachley

2.    Improvements to public transport (particularly rail).

3.    Another junction leading to the A48 to reduce traffic up Pwllmeyric Hill.

The options were presented to members of the three authorities.  The report was supported and it is proposed that the next step is to move to WelTAG Stage 2.  The challenge is to find funding for Stage 2 (estimated at £950,000 - £1.3m).

Welsh Government has been approached by Monmouthshire CC, and funding alternatives in England are also being sought.  No commitment has been given at this stage but interest has been expressed.  Members that have been consulted have given their full support.

It was agreed to send the Presentation from WelTAG Stage 1 to Group members by e mail.

Group Members were pleased to hear of progress.  It was, however, questioned why, in the interim, housing development is allowed when roads are inadequate. 

The Transport Planning & Policy Officer circulated a summary of the Local Transport Fund. 

·         Llanfoist Bridge: It was queried if the Llanfoist Bridge money rolls over year on year.  It was confirmed that there has to be a new bid every financial year.  The project can only be built in the summer because of lower riverflow.  It is hoped, if successful, to complete some preparatory construction in 2019/20 with an aim to deliver in 2020.  The flooding issue has to be resolved with Natural Resources Wales first.  It was noted that the appeal timescale is unknown at present.  Welsh Government is being kept updated.  The money from this year has been returned. 

·         Abergavenny and Chepstow Station Bridges: The Chair asked about progress with the bridge over the railway line at both Chepstow and Abergavenny rail stations.  Nothing has been heard about funding and a decision is expected in the Spring.  Both stations are high enough on the Welsh Government list that funding could be expected. 

·         Abergavenny Bus Stops:  An update on progress regarding siting a bus stop at Tesco on A40 was requested as this will have a big impact on businesses.  The Group Engineer, Highways and Flood Management explained that the safety audit came back and a better design is needed.   The designer has responded and some issues can be resolved.  The Group looked forward to a positive outcome.  It was raised that buses continue to stop at Robert Price Builders and suggested that bus operators need to be reminded to desist. 

The new Forward Work Programme was introduced as a means of encouraging a more strategic approach.  Feedback was provided as follows:

·         It was suggested that information in the plan was sparse and that reprioritisation was required especially in respect of Magor Station.

·         Good forum – could be improved.

·         Not strategic enough

·         There are different priorities in different areas

·         Provide the Group’s views on presentations/ideas and make responses.

·         Reports should be provided on progress on important matters in between meetings; group members should be given actions to follow up

·         Review the terms of reference

·         Feedback from this Group is provided by one Member to the North Monmouthshire Area Committee.  Opportunity to cascade information to community groups.  Feedback is also provided on Grassroutes

·         Regarding the White Paper, it was agreed to circulate it to all members –feedback would be appreciated. 

·         Opportunities to attend workshops should be extended to Group members.

·         The range of expertise and experience in the Group is exemplary

It was agreed that the Head of Operations and the Chair will discuss means of increasing interactivity.

A report on the five GovTech pilots was requested for the next meeting.

The notes of the last meeting were confirmed as an accurate record.