Agenda and decisions

That apologies be noted and received from Councillor David Meller, Councillor Nathan Evans and Councillor Barry Warner. 

That it be noted that there had been a request from Cllr Meller regarding the 307/308 service, officers agreed to go back directly to him with further details.

To receive declarations of interest in any item for discussion at the meeting. A blank form for declaring interests has been circulated with the agenda; please ensure that this is returned to the Governance & Scrutiny Officer at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the approval of the minutes of the meeting held 1 October 2021.

That the minutes of the GM Transport Bus Services Sub Committee meeting held 1 October 2021 be approved as a correct record.

To receive a verbal update from Bus Operators.

1. That the verbal updates presented by bus operators be noted, especially in relation to the uncertainties regarding the Bus Recovery Grant post April 2022, increase of anti-social behaviour incidents, supply chain delays for parts such as glass windows, the challenge of 112 days’ notice for proposed service changes, the impact to service levels as a result of driver shortages and the increasing levels of congestion resulting in significant variations on journey times.
2. That it be noted that on average bus operators were now undertaking 97% of pre-covid mileage and recording patronage levels of 82% compared to pre-covid levels.
3. That it be noted that operators reported retrofitting and fleet upgrading activity was on target, to ensure all vehicles were Euro 6 compliant as per the requirements for the Clean Air Zone by May 2022.
4. That Members of the Committee be urged to write to the relevant decision maker whether that be the Chair of the Transport Committee and Mayor or Greater Manchester regarding significant issues and where appropriate, propose a formal motion to their own Local Authority for further support.
5. That bus operators be invited to share details of travel incentives or promotions with the Chair of the Committee so these can be shared with Members and promoted further via their networks.
6. That it be noted that TravelSafe events would be taking place in Media City (2 December) and Wigan (8 December) should any Member or transport operator wish to be engaged.
7. That all operators be invited to submit their process for reporting/dealing with anti-social behaviour incidents (via One Bus) to the Chair of the GM Transport Committee to review with colleagues at GMP and TfGM.

Report of Stephen Rhodes, Interim Head of Bus Services.

To note the proposed Work Programme for the Greater Manchester Transport Committee and its sub committees.

1. That the proposed work programme for the GM Transport Committee and its Sub Committees be noted.
2. That the GM Transport Committee receive a future report on GM WRAPS (Road Activity Permit Scheme) to ensure its effectiveness in managing roadworks across the sub region and identify any area for improvements.

To note that the GMTC Bus Services Sub Committee will next meet on Friday 21 January 2022.

That it be noted that the next meeting of the Bus Services Sub Committee would be held on the 21 January 2022.

That, under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public should be excluded from the meeting for the following items on business on the grounds that this involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as set out in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

That, under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public should be excluded from the meeting for the following items on business on the grounds that this involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as set out in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

Report of Stephen Rhodes, Interim Head of Bus Services.

That the financial implications of forthcoming changes to the bus network be noted.