Issue - meetings

This report will follow.

DECISIONS

1.    Noted the contents of this report.

2.    In line with Department for Transport (DfT) guidance, provide reimbursement to bus operators from 1 April 2022 in line with the table in 4.3 until the percentage in the table equals the actual level of concessionary journeys and then reimburse on the basis of actual journeys taken;

3.    In line with DfT guidance where operators are currently running less than 90% of pre COVID mileage, as in Portsmouth, keep reimbursement unchanged until the percentage in the table at 4.3 equals the actual mileage operated;

4.    Delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration working collaboratively with the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation and the S151 Officer, to make any necessary changes within the allocated budget.

5.    The Opposition Spokespersons will be kept informed.

Felicity Tidbury, Transport Planning Manager introduced the report

Simon Bell Principal Public Transport Officer explained that the usage shown is for concessionary fares only.  This is currently at 60-65% of pre-covid levels.

The number of journeys is based on bus users presenting a smart card on the reader.  As the type of fare is not known, an average fare is used to calculate it based on the different types of fares people buy. 

Councillor Stagg agreed to keep the Opposition Spokespersons in the loop with progress on this.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

1. Noted the contents of this report.

2. In line with Department for Transport (DfT) guidance, provide reimbursement to bus operators from 1 April 2022 in line with the table in 4.3 until the percentage in the table equals the actual level of concessionary journeys and then reimburse on the basis of actual journeys taken;

3. In line with DfT guidance where operators are currently running less than 90% of pre COVID mileage, as in Portsmouth, keep reimbursement unchanged until the percentage in the table at 4.3 equals the actual mileage operated;

4. Delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration working collaboratively with the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation and the S151 Officer, to make any necessary changes within the allocated budget. 5. The Opposition Spokespersons will be kept informed.

1.