Issue - meetings

Integrated Responsive Transport Pilot

Meeting: 14/10/2020 - Executive Committee (Item 11)

11 Integrated Responsive Transport Pilot pdf icon PDF 510 KB

To consider the report of the Service Manager Business and Regeneration.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Business and Regeneration.

 

The Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services advised that the purpose of the report was to seek views on the Integrated Responsive Transport (IRT) Pilot project in Blaenau Gwent. The Corporate Director noted that Welsh Government had identified Blaenau Gwent as an area that would benefit from a pilot scheme and informed that this project would be operated across three local authority areas in Wales - Pembrokeshire Conwy and Blaenau Gwent. These Authority’s would benefit from piloting a new type of public transport which would run services outside of usual running times. There would be 2 buses procured as part of the project and would initially operate in the Ebbw Fach and Ebbw Fawr valleys. The Corporate Director added that there had always been concerns around public transport in Blaenau Gwent and this pilot provided an opportunity to test the demand for particular routes and services. It was hoped that this would then aim to provide a greater level of flexibility for users

 

The project would also link in with the transport strategy for Blaenau Gwent and provide the relevant data to improve the Council’s understanding of travel patterns and where appropriate enable us to enhance and adapt transport services to serve the current and future needs of residents.

 

The Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development welcomed the report as it identified the trust placed in this Council by Welsh Government to run a pilot scheme. The Executive Member felt that Blaenau Gwent was an excellent area to undertake this pilot as the topography of the area was diverse.

 

 

 

The Executive Member also felt that public transport should be controlled by the Public Sector as we are in a good position to understand the needs of our communities. The pilot would provide the opportunity to respond to demand.

 

The Leader felt it was important that this pilot be publicised well for all residents whether they have access to Social Media or not. It was paramount that in order for the pilot to be successful all our communities are involved. The Executive Member confirmed that initial discussions had commenced on how the pilot would be marketed and concurred that it was important that all resident’s needs are met.

 

The Executive Member for Social Services added that there was also a need to talk to other providers in terms of links to the new Grange Hospital in order for residents to access this hospital. In response, it was confirmed that dialogue would be undertaken with partners in the health sector and consideration would be given to Town Centre, places of employment and access issues.

 

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 that approval was given to progress with the pilot project and introduce IRT to Blaenau Gwent.