NORTH COUNCIL

REPORT

To: PLANNING AND TRANSPORATION Subject: FIRST ’S ROUTE COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2007 From: HEAD OF ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION

Date: 16 August 2007 Ref: DlTT/79/01/JM

1. Purpose of Report

1 .I This report advises Committee of First Glasgow’s proposals for development of bus services in North Lanarkshire during 2007 and their proposals for consultation on future service changes.

2. Background

2.1 In June of this year First Glasgow launched their Route Development Plan (RDP). This plan which will be produced by First on an annual basis outlines key changes planned for First’s route network structure over a twelve month period and seeks comments on proposals for future network changes. The production of the RDP was one of a number of commitments made by First in the stability and growth pact which was recently signed by First, Glasgow City Council and SPT. It also includes changes to services following the recent take over of Hutchison’s coaches by First.

2.2 The growth pact signed by First, Glasgow City Council and SPT seeks to,

0 Increase patronage on First services in Glasgow by 4% annually 0 Minimise the number of network changes 0 Improve passenger information 0 Achieve shorter journey times and improved reliability 0 Improve bus quality 0 Reduce harmful emissions 0 Improve the accountability of signatories

It should be noted that the Council may have the opportunity in the future to sign up to a similar stability and growth pact for our area. However it should be noted that this will involve a commitment by the Council to,

0 Seek funding to upgrade infrastructure 0 Develop bus priority schemes to reduce delays to buses 0 Provide infrastructure for display of route maps and service information 0 Ensure enforcement of restrictions in bus lanes and bus stops

3. Comment

3.1 First confirm that the merger between First Glasgow and Hutchison’s coaches may pave the way for further growth in the Lanarkshire area in due course.

Committee Report First Glasgow Route Development Plan PT Aug 2007 (2).doc 3.2 The proposals contained with the RDP are split into 3 sections and are commented on as follows,

Plans in Progress (Implementation by the end of July 2007)

Improved service frequency and capacity from to Glasgow and full conversion to use of low floor buses 0 Provision of a new daily service between Glasgow and the M&D theme park at Strathclyde park Increased capacity on the Airdrie to Hairmyres Hospital service Bargeddie to Glasgow service vis Royal Infirmary to operate from Confirmation that the daytime express service between Cleland and Glasgow and West Crindledyke and Glasgow (Previously provided by Hutchison’s) will be continued

Existing Network Structural Changes (Implementation by October)

Diversion of existing services on the north of the A80 to serve the expanding housing area at Smithstone Extension of the Glasgow Cumbernauld service to include the new Westway Retail Park X4 evening service provision in Cumbernauld withdrawn however alternative service available in Seafar from the diversion of service 36 which will divert all evening journeys via Seafar rather than the town centre. Service 62 Faifley to Baillieston will divert 2 jouneys per hour, in the evening, from Baillieston South Scott Street to Airdrie via Bargeddie and Coatbridge to cover for the withdrawal of the evening service on route 262 Services through Pather to and Glasgow via Wishaw General will be increased from 4 to 6/hour New service to be provided from Coltness and North via Wishaw General to Motherwell Cross with low floor buses and 718 minute frequency New service from Larkhall via Overtown, Wishaw General and Craigneuk to Motherwell with low floor buses and increased frequency with an increased evening service between Overtown and Larkhall subject to agreement with SPT New services on a 30 minute frequency proposed for Motherwell to Forgewood, North Lodge and Milton Street Evening service from Motherwell to Glasgow via Hamilton to be revised from 30 to 60 minute frequency Service 262 Airdrie to Glasgow via Coatbridge and Forge to have evening service withdrawn and replaced by extended journey on service 62 therefore no detriment

Aspirational Plans, subject to Route Development Grant etc.

Provision of full size low floor buses to increase capacity on Wishaw to Glasgow via Wishaw General and to Glasgow via Motherwell services

Committee Report First Glasgou Route Development Plan PT Aug 2007 (2) doc 4. Proposed Response

The Council acknowledges that First Glasgow provide some evening services and while generally welcoming the proposed service changes, especially the roll out of low floor buses across a number of additional services in the area, the Council wants to highlight its concern regarding the lack of evening services across the Council area and the need to increase bus service provision from data zone areas to service points, hospitals and job opportunities. The need for improved north/south links and the possibilities for extension of the Streamline services from the east end of Glasgow to the Bellshill/Coatbridge/Airdrie/ Cumbernauld areas are highlighted as priority areas for improvement, as well as provision of new and improved services to our more remote rural settlements.

5. Recommendations

5.1 Committee are asked to,

a) note the proposals from First Glasgow for service changes in North Lanarkshire and agree to send the proposed response detailed in section 4 of this report,

b) authorise the Head of Roads and Trarisportation to enter into negotiations with bus companies, with a view to identifying opportunities for the Council to enter into a growth pact to further improve bus services in the area, and report back to a future meeting of the Committee.

Graham Mackay HEAD OF ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION 12 July 2007

Local Government Access to Information Act: for further information about this report, please contact John Marran, on 01236-61 6253

Committee Report First Glasgow Route Developineiit Plan PT Aug 2007 (2).doc