Agenda item

(a)  That the improvements detailed in section 5 of the report be made to enable RTPI on all First bus services in Slough, and move towards a detection rate of 100% on these services by June 2015.

(b)  That real time links be implemented for London Buses, Arriva and other operators in Slough and that a monitoring framework be developed for detection rates on these services.

(c)  That the Neighbourhoods & Community Services Scrutiny Panel monitor detection rates on a regular basis and report to Cabinet, if required, should detection rates fall below acceptable levels.

Further to the discussion by Cabinet in March about the low detection rates of the Real Time Passenger Information system in Slough, Commissioners considered a report setting out ways to improve performance and recommending a suitable target detection rate.

The Acting Head of Transport and the Business Performance Director at First Buses answered questions from Commissioners about the reasons for the low levels of detection.  A number of improvements to the system had been made as detailed in the report and it was recognised that the rate had improved from 30% to 60% in the past few months, since the Neighbourhoods & Community Services Scrutiny Panel began scrutiny of the issue.

Commissioners felt that the recommended target detection rate of 75% rising gradually towards 100% over the next year following three month reviews should be more ambitious.  The technical challenges of achieving a 100% detection rate were noted, however, Members agreed that a target rising rapidly towards 100% by June 2015 on First Bus services should be set to ensure passengers could be confident in the system and to reflect the significant level of capital investment made by the Council in the infrastructure.  The Council and bus operators shared the same objectives of promoting public transport use and RTPI had the potential to make bus services more attractive to passengers.  It was also agreed to actively work with London Buses, Arriva, other bus companies and neighbouring authorities to improve detection rates on these services and adopt a monitoring framework to manage performance.

Commissioners asked that the Neighbourhoods & Community Services Scrutiny Panel monitor the rate of improvement in detection rates and report back to Cabinet if performance failed to met expected levels.  The Cabinet welcomed the more positive recent dialogue with First Buses and thanked them for their contribution to the meeting.

Resolved –

(a)  That the improvements detailed in section 5 of the report be made to enable RTPI on all First bus services in Slough, and move towards a detection rate of 100% on these services by June 2015.

(b)  That real time links be implemented for London Buses, Arriva and other operators in Slough and that a monitoring framework be developed for detection rates on these services.

(c)  That the Neighbourhoods & Community Services Scrutiny Panel monitor detection rates on a regular basis and report to Cabinet, if required, should detection rates fall below acceptable levels.