Agenda and decisions

Apologies were received and noted from Councillors Dzidra Noor, Naeem Hassan, Roger Jones and Aasim Rashid.

1.    That the appointment of Councillor Eamonn O’Brien to the GM Transport Committee for the remainder of the 2022/2023 municipal year be noted.

2.    That the appointment of Councillor Eamonn O’Brien to the Active Travel Sub Committee be noted.

3.    That it be noted that an urgent item in relation to the stabilisation of the Bus Network would be considered as a separate item that has been included on the agenda as item 6 – Bus Network Stabilisation Update.

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 the start of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To consider the approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2022.

That the minutes of the GM Transport Committee meeting held on 09 December 2022 be approved as a correct record.

To note the minutes of the following GM Transport Sub Committee Meetings –

·       Metrolink & Rail Sub Committee held on 13 January 2023 – Attached

·       Bus Services Sub Committee held on 20 January 2023 – Attached

·       Active Travel Sub Committee held on 27 January 2023 – Attached

Report of Stephen Rhodes, Director of Bus, TfGM

1.     That the approach that TfGM has taken to stabilise the Greater Manchester bus network since October 2022 and in respect of commercial service registrations submitted by Diamond Bus and Vision Bus due to take effect 16th April 2023, as reported to the Bus Services Sub-Committee on 20th January 2023 be noted.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive GMCA and TfGM, in consultation with the GMTC Chair, to agree replacement bus services to commence on 16th April 2023 be approved.

Verbal update by Rail Operators: TransPennine Express and Avanti.

1.       That the updates from operators TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast be noted.

2.       That the reassurance from TransPennine Express about their readiness to implement the Recovery Plan as had been submitted to Government be noted.

3.       That it be noted that TransPennine Express offered to brief members on the principal actions that the Recovery Plan would seek to deliver.

4.       That it be noted that TransPennine Express offered to attend the next meeting to update members against progress made on the delivery plan along with plans to increase patronage and build customer confidence in the service.

Report of Steve Warrener, Managing Director, TfGM.

1.    That the update on progress including the overview of the Bus Franchising Programme in terms of how the Bee Network would be shaped and informed by the experience of customers and the to date be noted.

2.    That a report outlining the details of the Greater Manchester Bus Plan would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

3.    That further details on an integrated ticketing model, which would also include concessionary pass, would be brought to a future meeting prior to the launch of Tranche 1 in September 2023.

Verbal update by GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

1.     That the update by the GM Mayor be noted.

2.     That it be noted that the move towards Bus Franchising would allow better control over Bus Services in GM.

3.     That it be noted that performance management, local accountability and improvements to passenger information and experience would be key to franchising, with the introduction of a customer charter and new Bee Network app. 

4.     That it be noted that progress on the branding of buses would be included within future updates to the Committee.

5.     That it be noted that the Good Employment Charter was enshrined in the bus franchising process.

6.     That it be noted that tackling crime and Anti-social behaviour and increasing visibility across the public transport network was a priority to increase customer confidence.

7.     That it be noted that intensive trailblazer discussions were underway with Government to ensure adequate support is received in order to deliver and further develop the Bee Network.

8.     That it be noted that a joint statement was made at the convention of the North calling for the removal of the franchise from Transpennine Express due to continued poor service standards.

9.     That it be noted that ensuring standards around safety across all modes of transport including Taxi’s continues to remain a priority for the Mayor.

10.  That it be noted that the Deputy Mayor would be overlooking the level of service to ensure appropriate arrangements were in place to respond to antisocial behaviour on the network.

11.  That it be noted that under operation AVRO GMP have designated the Bee Network as the 11th district of Greater Manchester for policing purpose.

12.  That it be noted that recruitment of a new team dedicated to tackling fare evasion on Metrolink was underway.

13.  That it be noted that GM remains fully supportive of HS2 and was committed to securing the optimum scheme to transform connectivity and drive economic growth for the entire city region.

Report of Steve Warrener, Managing Director, TfGM

1.    That the risks and issues affecting the 2023/24 transport budgets as detailed in the report be noted

2.    That the GMCA budget relating to transport functions funded through the Levy, as set out in this report for 2023/24 be noted.

3.    That it be noted that to increase patronage there was a need to tap into new markets, which would be captured within future Market Renewal updates.

4.    That regular progress updates on the discussions held with the Metrolink Operator concerning the maintenance of services amidst the current financial climate be shared with members.

To note the work programme of the Full Committee and the Sub Committees.

That the proposed Work Programme for the GM Transport Committee and its Sub Committees be noted.

To consider future meeting dates for the Committee and its Sub Committees for the rest of the municipal year:

That the dates and times of the Full Committee and the Sub Committees for the forthcoming year be noted.