Agenda item

This report sets out a response to a Member’s item raised by Councillor Field, in relation to Bus Services in Medway.

Estimated time: 60 minutes

Discussion:

Councillor Field introduced the Member’s item and areas for discussion.

Mr Jennings explained that Arriva operate the majority of buses in Medway and the network is challenging with reduced patronage due to changes in work and retail habits. The Committee were informed that Medway had made a better than average recovery post Covid however traffic congestion was flagged as an issue.

Mr Kemp informed the Committee that Nu-Venture operate approximately 30 buses of which half are in Medway, and they have a close working relationship with officers. The impact of the Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP) was noted as was the challenging topography and geography in Medway.

Officers informed the Committee how data was used to identify areas that needed to be focused on as part of the BSIP and how quick wins that would make a difference were being addresses in the first few years.

Members queried how many buses were electric vehicles and Mr Jennings explained that Arriva had invested £5.5million in the last 2 years in vehicles and a refurbishment shop for interiors. The high costs of electric vehicles compared to diesel vehicles were noted as well as difficulties with depots for electric vehicles. Mr Jennings explained that 38% of the buses from the Gillingham depot were Euro 6 vehicles, 60% were Euro 5 vehicles and 2% were Euro 4 vehicles.

Members requested further information from officers on the costs associated with achieving net zero and how much it would cost to convert all vehicles to electric vehicles. Officers explained that there was currently no deadline in place for when you can no longer purchase diesel buses or heavy good vehicles.

Members expressed concern about the 133 and 191 bus routes on the peninsula and how they would be sufficient with the house building that is taking place. Mr Jennings explained that these were the most challenging routes due to the bottleneck in Strood and limited river crossings and Mr Kemp also noted the impact of congestion on services in Strood.

Officers informed the Committee that they were very aware of the issues in Strood and were exploring a potential red route to see if this would improve congestion as well as upgrading and optimising traffic signals to improve congestion. Improved punctuality was noted despite the challenges caused by congestion in Medway.

Members raised the issue of limited timetables in Rochester for the 156 service and the impact this had on older residents and whether there had been any engagement with older people. Mr Kemp explained that the 156 runs three times a day to a timetable prescribed by Medway Council, is funding by them and must work around the peak school bus services. Mr Kemp explained he would be happy to engage with officers and Members to discuss any issues.

The Committee discussed the challenges of balancing subsidised and commercial services with timetabling to meet residents needs.

The free bus services during Sweeps Festival and the community experience they provided was noted as was the good work of bus drivers in supporting the community when incidents occur.

The Committee discussed the future potential for integrated ticketing and were informed that daily and weekly integrated tickets were being explored initially as part of national initiatives. 

The use of City Swift software to improve punctuality was explained by Mr Jennings and officers reported that this would also be available to smaller operators to help drive improvement.

The Committee noted the importance of infrastructure and bus services being in place from the early stages of new developments and officers reported that this was critical to the work of the Local Plan. Bus franchising and limited funding constraints for this were also discussed as was the limited financial viability of minibus services.

Decision:

a)    The Committee noted the comments from officers and bus service providers in response to the Member’s item.

b)    The Committee requested a briefing note on the impact of achieving net zero for bus services and potential costs of converting all vehicles to electric vehicles.