Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee Bus and Community Transport Strategy Roger Williams Head of Transport Operations Transport and Environment

Introduction What have we done to date What we current do Who does it What users want How do we deliver When by

What we have done to date An Executive Review of Passenger Transport - Sept 2007 A zero based review of Bus services -Sept 2008 A review of Community Transport - Sept 2008 Area reviews covering Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden - March 2009 Developing a Bus and Community Transport Strategies - Ongoing

Executive Review Consulted widely with stakeholders Identified savings in passenger transport budget – introduced charges to pupils attending faith schools “Exploded” myths about passenger transport Recommended a zero based review of bus services

Zero Based Bus Review Identified statutory duties placed on ESCC Reviewed County Council’s own policy framework Developed prioritisation criteria for future funding of supported bus services Recommended development of a new Bus Strategy

Community Transport Review Reviewed current role of community transport in East Sussex Examined best practice in other areas Investigated potential for expansion Advocated ESCC adopt a strategic role Recommended development of a Community Transport Strategy

What we current do Bus Services 75% of bus mileage in East Sussex is provided commercially by bus operators 75% of bus mileage outside Eastbourne and Hastings is ESCC supported services ESCC spends £3.63million on supported bus services Operating costs of bus services rising above inflation

Who does it Community Transport Provided by social enterprises Generally operated by cars or minibuses Staffed by a mix of volunteer and paid staff Often restricted to registered users Types of scheme: –Voluntary car schemes –Dial-a-ride –Community bus services

Who does it Community Transport Over 40 community transport schemes in East Sussex Around 10 schemes operate as ESCC local transport contracts Most operate without ESCC funding Transport Act 2008 allows drivers to be paid and use of larger vehicles

What Users want Seamless service –So I can get to my destination and back again (via as many places as I like) Clear information –And accurate, and be kept updated if it changes Choice –Cost, Time, Comfort, Accessibility Simple point of contact –Preferably local

What Users want A service that is Safe Reliable Useful Usable Available Accessible Affordable and Friendly

How do we deliver Benefits of the Strategies A far more efficient, effective and desirable public transport service Efficient: –More people in fewer vehicles Effective: –Locally co-ordinated Desirable: –More Choice, More Control

How do we deliver ESCC Policies Pride of Place improving travel choices and access to services LTP2 improve sustainable transport choices, public transport facilities, information and personal security of users Accessibility Strategy access to employment, education, healthcare and healthy affordable food, particularly from rural areas

Community How do we deliver Community Network Community Network Community Network The Community Hub network crosses artificial administrative boundaries.

Flexibly Routed Registered Bus Service Voluntary Car Scheme Shared Taxi Scheduled Bus Service Scheduled Train Service Lift Share Community Bus Transport Toolkit Leisure Toolkit Social Toolkit Health Toolkit How do we deliver

Enhanced definition of Community Transport (CT+) Design Flexibly-Routed, Demand Responsive, scheduled bus services Co-ordinated Delivery via Community Hubs Support from District, Town and Parish Councils Marketing Campaign

How do we deliver Continued engagement of communities and partners Identification and model for Community Transport Pilots Implement Pilots and evaluate

Down Your Way Rural access bid from DfT Recently refocused to ensure greater access Will enable greater information (CT directory) Working closely with existing CT operators Funding to enhance CT provision through pilots

Community Transport Pilots Funding available from DfT & ESCC Pilots to gain greater access to services for more people Identification of pilots through two broad approaches –Accessibility Mapping, participatory research –Bid process with CT operators and communities determining need. –Process commencing in June 2009

Community Transport Must Supply flexible solutions Determine sustainable demand Ensure sufficient capacity between different solutions Solutions are sustainable with long term futures

Timetable Jan to MarInitial preparation of Strategies 30 AprilDraft Strategy documents June to August Consultation including development of pilot projects SeptemberFinal Draft Strategy documents OctoberAdoption by Council