Minutes:
Michael Powell, Rural Development Programme Manager (for The Vale of Usk: Monmouthshire and Rural Wards in Newport) provided a presentation. Carly Jones, Apprentice, was also welcomed to the meeting.
Priority matters for the authority include:
· Connectivity by broadband;
· Using technology to access to services;
· Business and enterprise network;
Members were encouraged to visit: http://monmouthshire.biz/. Following the presentation, questions were invited:
· A Member asked about the Cardiff City Region City Deal (CCRCD), specifically for rural areas (including travelling to Gloucestershire and Forest Of Dean), the need for bus and train links with the Metro, integrated transport and TrawsCymru. It was responded that currently Traveline has a static list of connected timetables. Discussions are taking place with Traveline about how to connect rural areas to main services with a view to replicating the approach across the region and beyond. It is planned that the CCRCD Transport and Digital groups will work more closely going forward.
It was explained that connectivity between transport service providers (including volunteer transport groups to e.g. hospitals) and routes is fundamental. Regarding buses, a Group Member explained that there is a problem with buses because it is an unregulated system and many buses are commercial, private companies in competition with each other with no interest in connectivity which results in long waits. In respect of the Metro, Monmouthshire is in Stage 3 (runs to 2032) which includes only an hourly Express Bus link from Newport to Monmouth, Abergavenny and Brecon.
It was confirmed that the Metro should involve the whole of Monmouthshire but there are no specific plans or firm funding commitments to date. The consensus opinion is that it will cost significantly more to make the necessary improvements and innovative alternatives are being explored. Some funding has been secured to consider possible solutions.
The Head of Operations reflected there could be a conflict between on-demand (Rural Uber) services and successful scheduled services which may begin to pay for themselves. A review of rural transport has been commissioned.
· Members commented that information is vital to success and that timetables are not always available or up to date. It was suggested that technology could be used to find out what people want and to keep them informed. It was acknowledged that not everyone uses a computer.
· A Group Member reminded that integrated travel is not a new thing and suggested that sub groups are needed to make recommendations to the main group to adopt a more strategic and joined-up approach.
· A Group Member welcomed the ‘Wheels for Work’ scooter suggestion for young people in rural areas that can help them access further education and employment. It was explained that it is a Community Transport Association scheme and there are no travel limitations. It was agreed that it was a scheme that could be replicated in the County. Interest was also expressed by colleagues from Forest of Dean District Council.
· An offer of a presentation on Hackney Community Transport by D. Powell was accepted.
· The Chair explained that there is a shortage of bus drivers for our services. Regarding technology, it was suggested that there must be opportunities for a simple to use App to access service information.