Combined Authority Committee to discuss further bus improvements

Combined Authority Committee to discuss further bus improvements

A range of exciting new transport initiatives are up for debate at the Transport and Infrastructure committee meeting next week.

The Transport and Infrastructure committee will consider extending free travel for older people and those with disabilities, improving electric vehicle charging points and continuing to improve wifi so that people can access real time transport information.

The committee will also hear about improvements to the bus network and the Vision Zero Road Safety programme to halve road traffic deaths by 2030, eradicating them by 2040.

Deputy Mayor Anna Smith, said:

“This is a packed committee, and we will be discussing a wide range of exciting initiatives. We will consider the success so far of the £1 Tiger Pass for young people and look at extending concessionary bus passes for older people and people with disabilities so that they can travel during the morning peak. We’ll be thinking about future-proofing our infrastructure with electrical charging and better digital connectivity. And we’ll be hearing about our work with partners to eradicate road traffic deaths, through the Vision Zero project.”

“Amazingly, this represents only a fraction of the work of our transport team, who are doing so much to help deliver the mayor’s commitment to good quality transport for everyone in our region.”

The committee will be updated on the hugely successful £1 Tiger Bus Pass, which makes bus travel available to under 25 for just £1.  The campaign has received over 24,000 applications since launching in May, surpassing its initial target by over 200%, helping to improve the lives of young people across the region.

The Transport and Infrastructure committee will consider extending concessionary bus travel for people above retirement age and those with disabilities.

The scheme currently offers free travel ‘off peak’ after 9.30am on weekdays, and the Committee will consider whether to extend the offer to allow concessionary bus pass holders to travel for free, anytime. This is just one of the steps the Combined Authority is taking to improve bus connectivity for everyone across the region.

Speaking about the importance of extending concessionary bus travel, Jess Slater, Chief Executive at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“At Healthwatch, we understand how vital accessible transport is for people with disabilities to maintain their independence and well-being. We’ve been listening to the concerns raised by the community about the difficulties in renewing their concessionary bus passes, and we fully support the Healthwatch Partnership Boards in addressing these challenges with the Combined Authority.

“We also recognise the need for greater flexibility in travel times, particularly the desire to extend the scheme to allow travel before 9:30 am, as seen in other regions. Ensuring accessible, timely transport options is key to improving health outcomes and quality of life for all.’’

The committee will consider a strategy for rolling out electric vehicle charging points, so that everyone in the region can recharge electric vehicles conveniently and confidently.

The Vision Zero Road Safety programme, which aims to halve all road deaths across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by 2030 and eradicate them by 2040 will present a refreshed plan of action with new safety initiatives.

The Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, a partnership between the Combined Authority, constituent councils and Greater Cambridge Partnership, will be reporting progress against the Digital Connectivity strategy 2023-24. Committee members will discuss key programme achievements, such as the region meeting the UK national target to provide access to full fibre gigabit broadband in 85% of premises, achieved a whole year ahead of schedule.

The programme will seek approval for a revised Digital Connectivity Strategy for the next four years. The new Strategy will aim to put in place the connectivity requirements for the transport technology of the future, such as automated vehicles.

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee will take place on Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 10.00 am at the Huntingdon Town Hall, 53 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3AQ

More details available here: https://democracy.cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=124&Ver=4

Tiger bus passes are completely free to apply for, requiring only a photo and proof of age. Once users have the pass, they simply need to have it ready when boarding. To find out more and apply, go to https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/onepoundbusfare/

As a new scheme the Combined Authority wants feedback from users to see how it can be improved. Fill in the feedback form: Tiger Bus Pass Feedback Form – Ages 16-25 (office.com)

For parents or guardians of Tiger pass users, there is a separate feedback form: Online Feedback Form: £1 Tiger Bus Pass (For Parents) (office.com)

The Combined Authority is also keen to see examples of Tiger bus pass use on social media, using the hashtag #tigerbuspass.