Agenda item

Bus Fares and Accessibility

Minutes:

The Transport Strategy Team Leader introduced a report that provided a summary of local authority powers and considerations relating to bus fares and accessibility.

 

Members were informed that bus services in Slough were provided by a number of companies and most of these operated commercially, which meant there was no contract with the local authority.  Consequently, bus companies ran routes they could make a commercial return from.  The Council subsidised a limited number of services.  Analysis set out in the report showed that the fares in Slough were generally comparable with other neighbouring authorities.

 

Members had a wide ranging discussion during which the following points were raised:

 

·  In relation to fares, concern was raised that some operator’s tickets were not valid on other operator’s services.  For example, a journey between Chippenham and Wexham Park Hospital required a passenger to purchase two separate tickets to complete their journey. 

 

·  Members felt that fare prices were overly complicated and services did not meet the needs of residents.  It was highlighted that if residents were to be encouraged to use public transport rather than car travel, service provision needed to be improved. 

 

·  Bus service provision needed to support Slough’s long-term redevelopment plans and the creation of a vibrant night-time economy.

 

·  It was suggested that Slough Council establish its own bus company, similar to Reading Transport Limited, a bus operator owned by Reading Borough Council.

 

·  Equalities issues relating to bus use were discussed.  It was noted that the majority of bus users were women, older people and people on low incomes.

 

·  Concerns were raised about the removal of bus stops, wide kerbs and buses causing traffic congestion.

 

·  A Member asked if the Council was able to influence the bus routes operated and subsidise some fares.

 

The Transport Strategy Team Leader informed Members that the Council would be looking to procure a Real Time Passenger Information System (RTPI) in due course.  The Council would fund the RTPI infrastructure and bus operators would provide the data to support the system.

 

Resolved – That the report be noted.

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