Bus Reform Taskforce meet for the first time

The bus reform task force met today for the first time to agree next steps for the ongoing strategic review of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough bus services.

The inaugural meeting of the bus reform task force brought together representatives from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough along with bus transport experts with knowledge and expertise from the region and further afield.

The group heard first from national transport experts on what other areas are doing to reform their bus services, particularly with regard to rural bus provision and user demand responsive travel.

The group agreed their primary purpose was to offer strategic guidance on the bus review programme, known formally as the Strategic Bus Review, announced in January 2019.  The group agreed to also provide feedback, act as representatives for their areas and advise on major decisions.

The taskforce was introduced to the proposed options for improving the bus network including more involved partnership working between the Combined Authority and bus companies and franchising.

They were informed of proposed ‘quick wins’ for the bus network including better signage and improved information for bus users.   Key issues to be tackled during the reform were also agreed, including the diversity of the region, subsidies and determining the scale of investment that will be required to improve services.

The group heard from transport experts on bus reform in other regions including Tees Valley who are trialling a user demand style app that will allow passengers to book a bus on their smartphone across rural stretches of the region from this January and the West of England Combined Authority who are piloting ‘clean air’ zones.

To conclude the meeting, the group were advised of ongoing work and key milestones of the bus review, including a survey of bus and non-bus users currently underway until 15th December.  The results of the public survey will feed into a draft vision for improving the bus network.