Agenda item

Representatives from Arriva will be in attendance to undertake a brief presentation updating the Committee on their bus network in Medway since September 2015.

Discussion:

The Committee received a presentation from Emma Taylor, Robert Patterson and Nick Elsden from Arriva advising upon updates to Arriva’s bus services in Medway.

A summary of points raised as part of the presentation included:

·         The network has been rescheduled and more resources added

·         Punctuality has improved

·         Staffing levels

·         There has been a reduction in complaints

·         The local Union is supportive of the recent changes

·         The new commercial structure is focused on communication and is data driven

·         The 2016 wage negotiations have been successfully concluded

·         Fares have been revised with a number of fares reduced and cheaper fares for short journeys in town

·         There have been savings on many child fares

·         There have been a number of service changes

·         Arriva received positive feedback from the free travel day

·         There is a growing use of M tickets

·         Business to business sales offer discounts to employees

·         There is continued development of the real time bus app, the web and Arriva smartcard.

The Committee discussed a number of the points raised and Arriva answered questions as follows:

·         In response to a question as to whether the availability of wi-fi would be expanded to all bus services, it was confirmed that new buses would automatically have wi-fi sockets and USB ports and that these facilities will be rolled out onto older buses as and when they are refurbished. A Member drew Arriva’s attention to the fact that on some buses on which he had travelled the wi-fi and USB ports had not worked.

·         In response to a question on the level of complaints received, it was confirmed that there had been a 55% reduction in complaints relating to the reliability of bus services. In comparison with other areas, whilst the level of complaints for Medway’s bus services had been high, following changes to the services and the subsequent reduction in complaints, complaints were now at a medium level in comparison with other areas.

·         In response to a question on the level of wage settlement, it was confirmed that the wage settlement was 3% for one year. However, it was stressed that the industrial action in 2015 had been a direct response to the scheduling of bus services and had not concerned wages.

·         In response to a question relating to the possible improvement of bus shelters at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station and the provision of real time data, it was confirmed that approximately 50% of bus shelters were privately owned and the remaining 50% were owned by the Council, of which 60 had real time data screens. It was confirmed that real time data screens were added to bus shelters as and when possible.

·         In response to a query as to possible strategies to encourage school children onto buses, the Committee was advised that whilst a weekly ticket was not currently available for children, a scheme was on trial in Sheerness which, if successful, would be retained and possibly expanded across Kent.

·         A Member thanked Arriva for attending a meeting with residents in Watling Ward as this was very much appreciated by the residents.

·         In response to a suggestion that the Council may be able to assist Arriva in the recruitment of staff, Arriva advised that they would appreciate any assistance that may be available. It was noted that the Council was keen to promote Apprentice Schemes and Arriva agreed to take this up with the Council.

·         A Member requested that paper copies of timetables continue to be made available, as not all individuals had access to mobile phones. Arriva confirmed that it would always accept cash fares and provide timetables at bus stops.

·         A Member expressed concern as to the speed that some bus drivers travel down Chatham Hill and suggested that whilst it was acknowledged that drivers had timetables to adhere to, they should also have regard to passenger safety and the need to let passengers be seated before driving off. In response, Arriva confirmed that passenger safety was of upmost importance and if there were problems with any particular drivers, they could be referred back to training school.

·         A Member expressed concern that the £3.50 bus fare did not appear to be included as one of the fares where a reduction had been introduced. In response, Arriva confirmed that whilst reductions had been introduced on some bus routes, unfortunately it had not been possible to introduce reductions across all journeys.

·         A Member stated that they considered that Arriva’s social media presence was good and that the free bus day had been appreciated by bus users across Medway.

·         A Member sought clarification as to whether Arriva had been involved in the Local Plan process. Arriva confirmed that the company welcomed development of housing estates as they provided potential customers but the Arriva representatives were unable to confirm whether Arriva had responded to the Local Plan consultation.

·         A Member asked whether it was possible to review the timing of the last 177 service on Sundays as the last bus was currently 2.30pm. Arriva agreed to investigate and respond to the Councillor direct.

·         A Member asked for additional information on use of the M Ticket. Arriva stated that whilst they had information as to the number of M Tickets purchased, they were not currently able to obtain data as to when the M Tickets were purchased or when they were used. However, Arriva confirmed the sale of approximately 1000 M Tickets and that sales had grown by 5%. Arriva would be investigating other possible smartcards in the next six months.

·         A Member requested that Arriva provide a contact point that may be used by elected Members if they had specific issues in their Wards. Arriva agreed to supply contact details to the Democratic Services Officer for circulation to all Members of the Council.

Decision:

The Committee thanked the representatives from Arriva for attending the meeting and giving a presentation updating the Committee on Arriva bus services in Medway and agreed that:

a)            the Development Manager be advised that Arriva are willing to be included in consultations on the Medway Local Plan;

b)            it be noted that Arriva will respond direct to the Councillor concerned on the issue of the last 177 bus service on Sundays; and

c)            it be noted that Arriva will supply a contact number to the Democratic Services Officer for circulation to all elected Members.