BSCB-011 Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda

BSCB-011

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

25 January 2018 10:00 – 12:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-011 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 10:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 10:05 apologies

2 10:05 Actions outstanding 10:15 S.40(1) Actions attached and will be displayed in the meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics – S.40(1) 3.1 10:15 Better, well-used services: Maximise the 11.00 inclusion of bus infrastructure in new developments

3.2 11.00 Transport strategy and passenger transport 11:45

BSCB-011 S.40(1) 4 Strategy work stream officer updates

11:45 Bus operations and roadworks 12:00

5 12:00 AOB

Next meeting: 14:00, 26 April 2018, Committee Room 2, County Hall

BSCB-012

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Minutes Committee Room 2, County Hall

26 April 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-012 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding.

Attendees: S.40(1) (Nibs Buses), S.40(1 (Stephensons), S.40(1) (First Group), S.40(1) (Hedingham) & Chambers), Cllr Ivan Henderson, Cllr David Kendall, Cllr Tony Ball, Helen Morris (ECC) (ECC), S.40(1) Nor Relevant S.40(1) (ECC), S.40(1) (ECC), S.40(1) (ECC),S.40 ECC) (1) Nor Relevant Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Cllr Gooding welcomed attendees. Cllr Gooding 14:05 Apologies were received from: S.40(1) Cllr Chris Pond, Nor Relevant S.40(1) S.40(1) S.40(1) 2 14:05 Actions outstanding S.40(1) 14:15

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:15 Local Plan Update S.40(1) , ECC 14:35 S.4 provided an update on the Local Plans for 0(1)the different areas in Essex and explained how local plans are important and should be considered for Bus Strategy planning.

S. asked why developers waited for an 4occupancy amount before commencing services, rather than the services start well into 0(the period when houses are occupied, new 1) BSCB-012

residents will have made alternative arrangements.

S. suggested that operators are consulted at 40the planning stage for viability of routes. (1Cllr Kendall stated that often roads are not built )wide enough for buses to use, and that there is insufficient parking which hampers road width. Suggested that a checklist be created for developers/planners to use. He confirmed that his residents are also concerned about local infrastructure and how they are expected to get to the GPs and shops etc.

Cllr Henderson suggested that a Community Transport scheme could be used to bridge the gap between low passenger numbers at the start of a new development and a viable commercial service later on.

S. said that he agreed with the points raised, 4and that he had taken a note of them. 0(Action (BSCB/012/1): S. to put together 1)details in response to the4 questions asked and points raised and circulate before the next meeting. 0( 1) 3.2 14.35 Bus Satisfaction and S.40(1) 15:15 Communication/Marketing ECC

S. took us through the headlines of the survey. 40Essex score low on perceived value for money, however do show an increase on overall bus (1)satisfaction from the last survey.

S. clarified that the full survey results would not 4be available until June, and that they would be shared at the next meeting. 0( S.1) also shared some of the results from the 4Transport Focus survey which focused on 14-19 year olds, including a sample taken in Essex. 0( 1) BSCB-012

Discussions then took place regarding why young people do not use the bus. The group consensus was that the bus market should target a younger age group – 12-16yrs, potentially combining an education piece on how to use the bus (involving the Travel Training services experience) and a promotional offer on buses during school holidays.

S. announced that she was leaving the council 40and would pass this on to S who would be taking it forward in the future.4, including a joint (1)marketing approach 0( 3.3 15:15 Bus Strategy Review 1) Helen Morris, 16:00 ECC S. confirmed that the 2015 strategy needed 40refreshing and then set up a workshop for the attendees based around four areas of Essex. (1) Results and information will be collated and fed back to the group.

4 AOB

Future Grant Opportunities for Public Transport in Essex – S.40(1) - Verbal Report

Transforming Cities Fund & ELEB fund – S.40(1) said that ECC are looking to partner with operators to submit joint bids to these funds. Please contact S. direct for more information on either of these40 essex.gov.uk). S.40(1) (1) Next meeting: 14:00, 26 July 2018, Committee Room 2, County Hall

BSCB-011

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

26 April 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-012 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:15 Actions attached and will be displayed in the S.40(1) meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:15 Local Plan Update S.40(1) , ECC 14:35

3.2 14.35 Bus Satisfaction and Communication/Marketing S.40(1) 15:15 ECC

3.3 15:15 Bus Strategy Review Helen Morris, 16:00 ECC

BSCB-011

4 AOB

Future Grant Opportunities for Public Transport in Essex – S.40(1)

Next meeting: 14:00, 26 July 2018, Committee Room 2, County Hall

BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

26 July 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-013 Meeting Chair: Cllr. T. Ball/Cllr R. Gooding

In attendance:

• Cllr T. Ball (Co-Chair) • Cllr R. Gooding (Co-Chair, part of the meeting) • Cllr D. Kendall • Cllr C. Pond • Cllr I. Henderson S.40(1) Managing Director – First Essex Buses anaging Director – Arriva Kent & Thameside S.40(1) Managing Director – Stephensons of Essex

• S.40(1) , SGII Manager – ECC • S.40(1) , Project Manager, Bus Cities Project - ECC • S.40(1) Lead for Commercial Operations - ECC • S.40(1) Transport Project Lead - ECC Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Ball 14:05 apologies.

Apologies were received from:

• S.40(1) , NIBS Buses • Helen Morris, Head of IPTU • Contract Management Representatives BSCB-013

• S.40(1) Head of Future Transport Strategy

• S.40(1) Head of Smarter Travel • S.40(1) Transport Business Development Manger Cllr Gooding tabled his apologies for being delayed.

2 14:05 Actions outstanding S.40(1) 14:15 The action log is attached to these minutes with any notes about the actions within the comments column.

Any actions due by this meeting are addressed within the agenda.

S.40(1) action (not within the agenda) remains outstanding and S.40(1) will seek a response soonest.

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:15 Essex Saver – future possibilities S.40(1) , 14:45 Stephensons S.40(1) presented the attached presentation, which was well received as a starting point.

There was a question from Cllr Kendall about if we can look at the ages correlating to young persons railcard, which applies from 16 to 29. It was suggested that the BITE card could continue to be used as proof of age.

The general feeling from operators that it should be off-peak and some thought will be given to making it a general “off-peak” ticket available to all, not just young people.

Action: Operators to work out sales pre/post 09:30 to identify sales numbers. Operators are BSCB-013

also to provide ideas on age/adult/child version (BSCB/013/1)

3.2 14.45 Strategy Review – Locality priorities S.40(1) & 15:30 S.40(1) S.40(1) provided a presentation on potential capital works packages to facilitate bus access and copies of the packages were handed round for a ‘first look consideration’ by the board. S.40 asked that the packages remain confidential(1) whilst they are refined.

Action: All to send any responses by 17 August 2018 to - S.40(1) @essex.gov.uk (BSCB/013/2)

Comments/Questions:

Essex Highways liaison around roadworks with operators is considered to fall short of what might reasonably be expected. There is a lot of seemingly disjointed activity within the area of roadworks. S.40(1) explained a new system being developed that acts a lot more proactively than current process.

Cllr Kendall highlighted that good communication on schemes can also mean that local issues can be addressed and resolved

Cllr Kendall reflected on funding issues and asked if the Authority could apply to SELEP in line with their priorities. S.40(1) explained that we look at the clear terms of each funding opportunity when applying. Cllr Kendall asked for a localised scheme update periodically as well in the future.

Cllr Henderson asked who else had been able to give input; he also highlighted that some elements are going through highways panels - S.40 agreed, but cautioned that some might not (1) BSCB-013

proceed beyond the highways panels for a variety of reasons, including due to cost etc.

Cllr Pond asked how the list had been arrived to and about adding schemes that are missing; S.40 explained this was the first opportunity (1)that the Board has had to add schemes to the list, and explained that the scheme elements had been developed over a long period of time, most originated directly from bus operators.

Cllr Ball highlighted the aspiration by BBC to close Wickford High Street on Saturdays, which has a number of issues - good engagement can help to explain the reasons behind the proposals to prevent opposition

S.40(1) highlighted the importance the Bus Strategy Board around its role in Punctuality Improvement Partnership work.

3.3 15:30 Young Persons Pilot Proposal S.40(1) (In 15:50 place of S.40(1 At the June marketing sub-group meeting, it was ) agreed to work collaboratively on producing content to be used in mainstream schools, YR6 to YR9 (10-13 years old), to educate and begin changing behaviors towards buses. Everyone felt this would bring a benefit.

This is being developed by the Travel Training service and will be support by the bus operators – the aim is to deliver this as a partnership. ECC Travel Training doing the training side and operators supporting days in school with staff/vehicles for a ‘Try a Bus’ type experience.

The joint show of unity is important - engagement with the Young Essex Assembly (YEA) in June also confirmed they wanted this education piece but felt it would only work if ECC and operators did it together BSCB-013

The holiday promotion suggested is wanted by all, but it was felt better to plan to do this in 2019, after the education content had been created and delivered into schools – to maximise interest and use of the promotion next summer.

The promotion will need joint agreement from all operators – suggested at a flat daily rate for bus use across the board. (Discussion on this point would be useful and firm commitment from the bus operators on what they would be prepared to sign up to in terms of the offer)

Plan to return to the next Bus Strategy Group meeting, with the content created and agreed for feedback/review by all.

Comments:

Travel Trainers was noted as a good piece of partnership work and a formal thanks was recorded from ECC to the operators for allowing free travel to travel trainers, which is gratefully received.

Cllr Henderson asked about local event marketing - S.40(1) explained that Social Media is the typical platform used, along with the website.

Cllr Henderson suggested using Schools as a channel to advertise

4 15:50 AOB 16:00 Chris Pond - Scrutiny Function in ECC is looking at Air Quality - Chris Pond is chairing the transport strand and would welcome input from bus operators directly, as well as Passenger Transport contracted local bus services quality element. It's a complicated issue that will be looked at over the next few months. BSCB-013

If you wish to be involved, please email [email protected]

David Kendall highlighted NCP parking charges going up and asked if operators can capitalise on this – all operators will look at this.

Next meeting: 14:00, 25 October 2018, Committee Room 2, County Hall

BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

26 July 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-013 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:15 Actions attached and will be displayed in the S.40(1) meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:15 Essex Saver – future possibilities S.40(1) 14:45 Stephensons

3.2 14.45 Strategy Review – Locality priorities S.40(1) & 15:30 S.40(1)

3.3 15:30 Young Persons Pilot Proposal S.40(1) 15:50

4 15:50 AOB 16:00

Next meeting: 14:00, 25 October 2018, Committee Room 2, County Hall

BSCB-015

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

25 October 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-014 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Attending: Cllr Gooding (Chair), Cllr Ball, Cllr Pond, S.40(1) (First Group), S.40(1) (First Group), S.40(1) (Go-Ahead), S.40(1) (Stephensons), S.40(1) (Arriva), S.40(1) (Tendring CT) ECC Officers: Helen Morris (Head of IPTU), S.40(1) S.40(1) Apologies: S.40(1) (Go-Ahead), Cllr Henderson,S.40(1 (Stephensons of Essex), S.40(1) (Uttlesford CT) S.40(1) ) (Greater Anglia), S.40(1) (ECC), S.40(1) ECC) Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Attendees were welcomed to the meeting. Cllr Gooding 14:05 Apologies were noted above. S.40(1) (NIBS Buses) has left the board and thanks were recorded for his work towards the partnership between operators and ECC over the years.

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:15 Any actions were either completed or formed S.40(1) part of the agenda.

3 Key topics – Not Relevant 3.1 Air Quality in Essex S.40(1) S.4 represents the Authority on behalf of 0(1)transport air quality. S.40 made a presentation (attached). (1) BSCB-015

A declared site is defined as exceeding a level of NOX. Sites declared by local authority.

Changes of the air quality and charging network would need to be part of the next version of the design guide.

S.40(1) highlighted that First use Drive Green to monitor fuel efficiency, idling and driving style. Much of the First fleet is Euro 4/5/6, which is standard across most local bus operators in Essex.

3.2 Partnership Working – a general discussion S.40(1) S.40( introduced the basis along with the Bus Services Act 2017. His note is attached. 1) Key points in the following discussion included:

• Speeding the bus up can actually achieve better frequencies with the same fleet.

• Better roadside infrastructure is desired

• There can be measures used (such as parking charges) to encourage bus use.

• Clean Air Zones would also help encourage bus use. 3.3 Colchester Bus Stop allocation – S.40(1) implementation discussion

S.40( updated on the changes from Colchester Bus Stop allocation work. 1) All operators were thanked for their support in implementing the changes. Key elements to the changes included that:

• 30,000 leaflets were printed.

• Operators had people out on the street to guide/direct. There has been some negative feedback which is being responded too. Most people seem to be adapting. BSCB-015

St John's Street seems to be the biggest issue and the Colchester Bus Blueprint group will review this. Operators liked the bus stop search tool and would like to roll out across Essex. Action: Stephensons and ECC to produce the next bus stop guide in partnership. Next update due in April 2019. (BSCB/014/1) 3.4 Catch the Bus Week S.40(1) Operators were asked if they want ECC to be involved for 2019. One issue raised was about where new customer engagement could occur, especially for operators with predominantly rural services. Cost to do this can also be a factor. Other feedback included that some MPs often engage with Catch the Bus Week and councillors are welcome to play a part as well. One possible opportunity highlighted was that rural councils would like some operators to advertise in parish news magazines to reach households. The chair asked for the topic to return on the agenda in January. Action: Everyone to bring ideas back for Catch the Bus Week 2019. (BSCB/014/2)

4 AOB

• Bus Marketing Sub Group • S.40 updated on the work behavioural approach to bus (1)passenger growth. • The presentation is attached. There will be a follow up meeting on 14 November. Invitations will be sent out shortly. • Helen Morris alerted attendees to several key consultations on the IPTU road map. BSCB-015

• Operators were asked to evaluate where they could take on services commercially. • Cllr Kendall asked what the criteria was for a new bus service and how communities should evidence this. Operators are asked to respond. • S.40(1) asked if there was anything known at ECC regarding the DfT consultation about Section 19/22 services. Helen Morris explained that we are anticipating guidance soon but nothing further was known at this stage. • Helen Morris confirmed that in 2019 Community Link will be undergoing a re- brand. The business focus will not change though and will continue not to compete with community transport schemes in Essex. It was also highlighted that were there is a need, Community Link would continue to explore where it could provide socially necessary journeys in Essex. • S.40(1) highlighted some issues between the Bus Infrastructure and Bus Information teams. Helen acknowledged there have been some transition issues as the Information Team have physically moved to the IPTU. Any specific issues can be sent to [email protected] for investigation.

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

14:00, 24 January 2019 - Agenda items to be submitted by 4 January 2019

14:00, 24 April 2019 - Agenda items to be submitted by 5 April 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 - Agenda items to be submitted by 5 July 2019

14:00, 24 October 2019 - Agenda items to be submitted by 4 October 2019 BSCB-015

14:00, 30 January 2020 - Agenda items to be submitted by 10 January 2020

BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

25 October 2018 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-014 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:15 Actions attached and will be displayed in the S.40(1) meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:15 Air Quality in Essex S.40(1) 15:00

3.2 15:00 Partnership Working – a general discussion S.40(1) 15:30 3.3 15:30 Colchester Bus Stop allocation – S.40(1) 15:40 implementation discussion

3.4 15:40 Catch the Bus Week S.40(1) 15:50

4 15:50 AOB 16:00 - Bus Marketing Sub Group - HM 2 items Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified) BSCB-013

14:00, 24 January 2019 14:00, 24 April 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

24 January 2019 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-015 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies congrats to dominic

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:10 Linking in to rail delivery to address links S.40(1) between bus and rail Cllr Kendall Can we look into this? – Branch lines Agenda item for next time

Actions attached and will be displayed in the meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:10 Transport Strategy in Essex S.40(1) 14:40

3.2 14:40 Catch the Bus Week – ideas discussion S.40(1) 15:00 Action from previous meeting for everyone to bring suggestions for this item

3.3 15:00 Behavior Change Pilot update S.40(1) 15:20 15:20 Countywide Bus Shelter Project discussion S.40(1) 15:45

BSCB-013

4 15:45 AOB S22 update KS tomorrow

16:00 Close

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

14:00, 24 April 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

24 January 2019 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-015 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies

Congratulations were offered to S.40(1) on his leaving ECC to join the Rail Delivery Group as Accessibility and Inclusion Manager an appreciation was offered for his role in acting as secretariat to the board.

S.40(1) has left the board following the sale of NIBs buses to Stephensons of Essex. The board thankedS.40( for his contribution since the Bus Board started1) and best wishes for the future were offered

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:10 Linking in to rail delivery, to address links S.40(1) between bus and rail Cllr Kendall Can we look into this?

Branch lines Agenda item for next time

Actions: attached and will be displayed in the meeting, as updates are continually being received

3 Key topics – BSCB-013

3.1 14:10 Transport Strategy in Essex S.40(1) 14:40 Presentation attached below

Transport Strategy - Bus Board.pptx

The strategy was generally well received, but the lack of a specific action plan was noted. S. indicated that this was still a high-level strategy and more work4 had to be done. 0( Discussion then ensued1) on availability of funding, the usefulness of developer funding the importance of setting the right fare levels to attract customers, particularly young people. The economic befit of bus services was discussed and HM agreed to share the Leeds University report on this with the group.

It was noted that ECC has maintained financial support for contracted local bus services that is currently higher than most comparable authorities but is under financial pressure.

Different models for supporting transport were discussed • Nottingham car park fees were being hypothecated into public transport • DK noted the task and finish group on air quality - ideas being floated - but need transparency on how such funding is spent. • The potential benefits of a range of other measures were considered, including congestion and road charging and parking levies as were the difficulties in adopting them. S. indicated that if government was serious about addressing climate 40air quality and congestion issues then some risks will need to be taken (1)

3.2 14:40 Catch the Bus Week – ideas discussion S.40(1) 15:00 It was generally felt that ECC and the operators should take part.

A view was expressed that in the last the Essex events have suffered from lack of preparation and public exposure. A suggestion was made to have an event at each major town - like surgery for bus users UK resource with people - operator led event with county approval/participation

BSCB-013

The need to try and capture trying to capture early years travel changes was mentioned, possibly offering a ‘free travel weekend’ for young people (Sat and Sun?) to be advertised through schools etc

RGo suggested linking this to other campaigns - i.e. in a teaching children to swim in Clacton initiative might be attractive. S asked what do we want to achieve? and suggested that the ‘I .4pledge’ campaign for bus use would be useful 0S. sked if the park and ride sites could be used for publicity? (note (40from RGr, with appropriate notice this will be possible) 1)(1) S. – suggested the arrangement of a working group to take this 40forwards. (1) (RGr Note. Suggestion:-

Working Group to be RGr (or new Project Lead), S.40(1) from ECC Information Team, Publicity/Information Managers from First, Arriva and Go-Ahead, rep from Stephenson to cover smaller operators.

Remit: To design and deliver an Essex approach to catch the bus- week for approval by the Bus Board ( by approval, outside main meeting).

To cover - main events, press/publicity, special offers, costs. At least one, one day event for each large town and a one week tailored offer to attract new and/ or reward existing bus users

RGr/HM Can suggested tying in to the citizen card/proof of age discount - a downloadable add on?

3.3 15:00 Behavior Change Pilot update S.40(1 15:20 ) 15:20 Countywide Bus Shelter Project discussion 15:45 Countywide Sus Shelter Project S gave the update on behaviour change pilot .4 • 1 Year pilot joint funding 0 • Met with bus operators agreed in principle ( • Potentially industry leading 1)Trial based on: • Design personalised bus pack give at friction points - new job, new house, new school etc • Discount pass • Nudge theory reminders to keep interested

Behaviour optimisation to address individual needs

• Aim at limited parking areas - CCG hospital - Broomfield. BSCB-013

• Focus on local urban journeys • Schools and colleges • Timed to allow for this - education about bus travel - draft script for visits • Aim for 200k start figure from pilot • Can then be run out • Next step is joint agreement

Bus Shelter Advertising Project

S. gave an update on project progress See presentation 4 0( Comments: 1) S. – emphasised the importance o shelter cleaning 4S - Yes v. important- currently they are not regularly cleaned by 0(.4advertising companies 1)0S.S a good idea to identify new shelters and those not used. Lighting (40is. important and should be as widely used as possible 1)(1) 4 RGo0 - tube has panic button available - can we do something similar for( bus shelters? ( JH to look into)

1 eed basic functionality - flag poles before shelters - triangle S.) 40approach- look at area for money making (1) S. parallel procurement - get best practice for framework for other 4authorities. Looking for a single supplier across piece. Income 0(generation is possible as evidenced by other authorities. 1) HM other information infrastructure - digital contact s- tracking, portal access. Also link experience for passengers across infrastructure

S. asked how information at bus stops will be arranged 40 (1HM yes but we need to do politics to avoid local council seeing as )exclusively ECC led. Realtime sign distribution is very uneven- s106 funding - make sure we use it the right way

S. are we trying to keep current level of timetables or move away 4from them - every flag tt or fewer? 0( 1)HM paper timetable less likely to be looked at - looking to maintain but will review if digital keeps growing

S look at s106 plans to see if retrospective as well as a new? . 4HM we can’t unpick current s106 - will try for new ones. May move 0existing resources ( i.e. Electronic flags) if not used. ( 1 ) BSCB-013

4 15:45 AOB Community Transport S19/S22 update.

DfT have issued new guidance. (see Link)

16:00 Close

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

14:00, 24 April 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

Link to DfT guidance on S19/22 permits https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for- profit-passenger-transport/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger- transport BSCB-013

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 6, County Hall

13 May 2019 13:00 – 15:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-016 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 13:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 13:05 apologies

2 13:06 Actions outstanding 13:10 Actions: catch the bus week – see agenda S.40(1)

3 Key topics –

3.1 13:11 Transport Data S.40(1) 13:40

3.2 13:41 Catch the Bus Week – Progress Report S.40(1) 14:00

3.3 14:01 Behavior Change and County Wide Bus Shelter project S.40(1) 14:20 update

Estimated time- may be moved due to meeting clash)

BSCB-013

4 14:21 Maintenance of timetable frames at TFL bus stops, Epping Forest and Brentwood ( Query raised by Cllr Pond)

14:45 AOB. 15:00 Close

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

13:13, May 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

BSCB-017

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Notes Committee Room 2, County Hall

25 July 2019 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-017 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 Apologies: S.40(1) ( First), Cllr Pond, Cllr Henderson, Cllr Kendall, S.40(1) (Arriva)

2 14:05 Actions outstanding 14:10 Catch the Bus week. First and Arriva both held S.40(1) events in Chelmsford, Basildon and Harlow to support Catch the Bus week. These included buses, information advice on how to use the bus, ticketing. They felt that these were successful. Other operators lacked the resources to be able to do this, but may be able to do more next year.

Some discussion ensued on how to promote bus services. A range of approaches were considered, including new phone apps, electronic and roadside information, pricing offers etc.

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:10 Air quality. The attached presentation originally presented S.40(1) 15:00 by S.40(1) in 2018, but updated by S. was considered as background: 40(

1) BSCB-017

Air Quality in Essex.pptx A discussion ensued, although in the absence of the three Cllrs, this focused on the operator’s views. It was recognized that air quality had moved up the transport agenda of late and is important. Operators made the following points:

• Electric technology is new, has limited range and is expensive for operators to move to. • The battery life of electric vehicles is a severe constraint on their practicality – the operational life cycle of a bus is c15 years, for a battery its c5 years and they are expensive to replace and dispose of. The economic do not add up at present without significant subsidy. • There are electricity supply issues – one bus depot elsewhere in the UK is known to have had to use a diesel generator to recharge buses as the national grid could not cope. • Euro VI engine buses are no more (and in some cases less) polluting (in terms of NOx and SOx and particulate emissions), vehicle for vehicle, than Euro VI engine cars. Operators feel that the focus should be on moving toward Euro VI which can be done with existing technology and (with assistance from government funding, as in Colchester, and Rochford) retrofitting. Cllr Gooding suggested that in the absence of the other Cllrs, whom he knew to be interested, this could be brought forward again at the next meeting. This was agreed

3.2 15:00 AOB Helen Morris gave an update on the current Various 16:00 consultation ad tender round for evening and Sunday services. This looked at the proposals for ECC to cease BSCB-017

supporting (with exceptions based on heavier use) of journeys after 10:00 and the reduction of frequency of Sunday services to 2 hourly on average between 08:00 and 19:00. There were also 3 options for services in Harlow, Braintree and Uttlesford, offering traditional timetabled services, an option for operators to design their own timetables and a DRT/Shotl App led option.

A discussion ensued.

S.40(1) also raised the issue of bus service information on Pier Avenue Clacton. This was out of date. The matter was referred to IPTUs Information team (it is understood that this has now been addressed

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

14:00, 24 April 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

25 July 2019 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-017 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 apologies

2 14:06 Actions outstanding 14:10 Actions: Catch the bus week See Agenda

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:11 Catch the Bus Week – Operator update on action taken Operators 14:20 update

3.2 14:20 Open Session on the role of public transport on improving All: Intro by 15:20 air quality RGr

Reference papers attached to Email: • The ECC Scrutiny Committee report of air quality and Appendix 7 • ECC Air Quality in Essex presentation by David Sprunt for BSCB-014 ( with additions) • Extract from proceedings of the Scrutiny Committee • Extract form UK Government Clean Air Strategy 2019 Summary Chapter 5 - Transport • Extracts from main UK Government Clean Air Strategy 2019 relating to transport BSCB-017

• Suggested Discussion points

3.3 15:21 Maintenance of timetable frames at TFL bus stops, Epping Forest and Brentwood (Query raised by Cllr Pond) RGr 15:30

4 15:31

AOB.

From Cllr Kendal:

• How can Councilors or members of the public ask for a potential new bus route to be investigated to

see if it is commercially viable? This would include what specific information / evidence would be required by the bus company to make them take action. • Has any research been done to see what difference having a timetable at every bus stop on a specific route has to the usage on that service compared to a route where there are virtually no timetables?

• Can we get young people involved via the Youth

Strategy Groups with helping older residents use and understand bus apps and bus timetables on their mobile phones? 16:00

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

13:13, May 2019 BSCB-017

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

BSCB-018

Bus Strategy Commissioning Board Meeting Agenda Committee Room 2, County Hall

18 November 2019 14:00 – 16:00

Type of Meeting: Meeting of the Board Meeting reference: BSCB-018 Meeting Chair: Cllr R. Gooding

Item Time Description Who

1 14:00 Welcome to new members, introductions and Cllr Gooding 14:05 Apologies

2 14:06 Brought forward from previous meeting - 14:10 Maintenance of timetable frames at TFL bus stops, Epping Forest and Brentwood (Query raised by Cllr Pond)

None

3 Key topics –

3.1 14:11 How the bus network can contribute to Air Quality All: Intro from 14:45 improvements. Open Session on the role of public RGr transport on improving Air quality. Brought forward from

July. An opportunity for Board Members to raise their ideas concerns and questions.

Air Quality in Essex.pptx Presentation from previous meeting for reference

3.2 14:46 Electric Town Fund. On 30th September 2019, the DfT General 15:15 announced that: “We also want to create Britain’s first all- Discussion electric bus town which will see an entire place’s bus fleet changed over to zero emission capable buses. Although the BSCB-018

location has not yet been decided, the town will serve as a model for zero-emission bus travel.”

While not details have yet been announced beyond this, Board Members are asked to consider whether in principle whether Essex should express an interest in the scheme and if so the appropriate size of town to be considered.

3.3 15:16 Opportunities for Developing enhanced quality Partnerships, with reference to Hertfordshire’s proposed Intalink EQP All Intro from 15:45 RGr

Hertfordshire Presentation Intalink Partnership Proposals.pptx

4 15:46

AOB.

From Cllr Kendal:

• How can Councilors or members of the public ask for a potential new bus route to be investigated to

• Can we get young people involved via the Youth

Strategy Groups with helping older residents use and understand bus apps and bus timetables on their mobile phones?

BSCB-018

16:00

Next meetings: (All at County Hall, Chelmsford, unless otherwise specified)

13:13, May 2019

14:00, 25 July 2019 14:00, 24 October 2019 14:00, 30 January 2020

Essex Bus Strategy Board Action Notes, 12 May 2019.

Attending:

Cllr Gooding (Chair), (RGo) Cllr Ball, (AB) Cllr Pond, (CP), Cllr Kendall (DK) S.40( First Group) S.4 ), S.40(1) (First Group)S. S), S.40(1) 1) (Go- Ahead) (S. , S.40(1) 0(1 (Stephensons) S.4 , S.40(1)40. (Tendring CT) (S.4 40 ) 0(1) (1 4 0(1) (1) ) 0 ECC Officers: Helen Morris (Head of IPTU), (Strategy S.40(1) ( Manager IPTU RGr) 1 Apologies for absence: S.40(1) (Arriva) (GH), Cllr) Ivan Henderson (IH).

Bus Service data modelling for revised ECC traffic model.

S.40(1) Technical Manager with Ringway-Jacobs LINC programme, gave a short presentation (attached to Email) on the need to develop more robust bus performance data to help create a revised Essex Countywide Strategic Transport Model. ECC already has data was required to support to support passenger numbers by operators by quarter for 2016/17 for overall sense checking. In addition to have confidence in the model outputs related to buses it is necessary to have access to bus data that includes key bus locations and daily (or hourly) volumes in order to validate the model against PT assignment. The data would be anonymised for use. This data would help produce a more realistic traffic model that made better allowance for PT interests and helped prioritise areas for bus priority within emerging ECC strategies. The basic process is shown below:

Set up Essex to provide individual mapping with meetings RAG routes

Share initial Provide data feedback

Bus operators were generally positive about assisting although concerned regarding commercial sensitivity and work load, plus some data issues had been identified. A general discussion ensued

S. noted that: 40 • They could provide in addition average vehicle speeds (1) • Issues with data available – i.e. o boarding only no alighting data o different operator data systems o impact of new development would be captured o Impact of roadworks might distort data o What positive outcome for bus services could be expected given the work involved? Should aim to reduce car use.

S. suggested that this offered an opportunity for including new proposals such as 40Greenwave Traffic signalling etc. (1) S. also raised the impact of air quality and the effect this was having on public opinion. This 40resulted in some interest. There was an ECC Scrutiny Committee report about air quality in (1)process RGo suggested and it was agreed, that this would be raised at the next meeting DK stated that this was about building up a better case for positive public transport measures. For example; identifying the top 20 hot spots for bus operators would allow action to be taken.

S. indicated that the peak period was the area of greatest importance to bus operators 40(since it affected their reliability most and reflected throughout the day. 1)It was agreed that further discussion would take place between bus operators, ECC and the RJ Team to see what could be done.

Catch the Bus Week 1st July 2019 Operators agreed that they would develop their own plans for CTBW. ECC agreed to facilitate where asked. A discussion about incentivising changes ensued – free passes, offers to young people, impact and risks of digital based information and marketing and the commercial viability of such options, etc were discussed.

AOB.

S. asked about maintenance and outdated timetables in the TfL controlled infrastructure in 40Epping Forest and Brentwood - who do we have to raise this with. It was agreed that this (1)would be investigated.

Notes from Bus Board 018, 18th November 2019

1.0 Brought forward from previous meeting

ECC Bus Service information on TFL owned bus stops in Epping Forest.

Cllr pond had raised the issues of why timetable on TfL bus stops in Epping Forest were not being updated. Investigation revealed that the issue is with the fact that TfL manage the stops and timetable cases and have their own designs for information which are not compatible with Essex designs. They won’t compose or print Essex only bus timetables on our behalf.

Officer from the IPTU information team have contacted TfL and it has been agreed that Essex can have timetables for Essex only services in TfL timetable cases, but that Essex will have to produce and install them.

We are now working on developing a new TfL compliant template for ECC timetables (using one provided from Epsom Council in Surrey) and investigating how we can get them installed - we need the Allen keys that open TfL cases and people on the ground to put them up.

Note Cllr Kendall asked about timetables in Brentwood not being updated in a timely way. Some timetables do not appear to have been updated since 2015. Our partner in Brentwood is NIBs and they a do update timetables. However, there is sometimes delay between changes being made the stops being updated which we try to minimise. TfL services in Brentwood use Essex timetable cases and are updated by us.

2.0 Air Quality in Essex – General Discussion

Following the presentation at the previous meeting a more general discussion as held on this issues as more operators were present. A number of points were raised:

• The Essex Climate change commission is looking at this subject. Cllr Gooding indicated that it will probably have an independent chair and identify a number of key issues to address. • NOX and particulate emissions are the important ones from a health perspective, CO2 for climate change • Addressing parking strategy including development of Park and Ride sites was considered important. • The Scrutiny committee task and finish group on air quality had made some recommendations - what can be done to implement them review carried out by the ECC • Cllr Henderson indicated this needed to be looked at in the new year but would be a longer- term project • Cllr Pond suggested some short term fixes were needed and could be addressed, including ECC contract specification, how to get better outcomes from commercial services on this issue, particularly in relation to bus fleet age. • It was noted that Arriva had improved route 66 with refitted euro v engines to Euro VI compliant standards. • Air quality needed to be moved up the County Councils list of priority concerns. • ECC, district councils and operators have successfully bid for clean bus funding for Euro- VI upgrades for buses in in Colchester, Basildon and Rochford should complete conversions in 2020. This will pay for the conversion of around 60 buses • Cllr Gooding asked if maintenance was an issue for emissions purposes? • S.40(1) (Stephensons of Essex) indicated that every operator had to have a 4-6 week inspection programme, including an emissions test. Some smaller turbo charged engines do produce visible emissions at lower speeds. Buses have an up to 20 year life and older vehicles with less rigorous emissions standards are now being phased out, though DDs will take longer. • S. noted that it was possible to replace buses earlier but that there were costs involved in 4doing so that could make more marginal services unsustainable. • S.40(1)0( suggested that for Go-Ahead the additional cost would make most of 1)their commercial services unviable if required in the short term. • It was noted by operators that Euro vi buses were cleaner that Euro vi cars vehicle for vehicle. • Cllr Kendall climate change was a big issue for his residents and that ECC and bus operator’s needed to take a lead in addressing it. • This included influencing through it purchasing power and education using social media and their web presences. • For Arriva S.40(1) suggested that there was considerable scope for co-operation on this matter – we are on the same side. • Cllr Henderson indicated that the commission needed to look at the big picture and that significant modal shift would be needed to address climate change. • Cllr Gooding stated that if this approach is to be successful we would all need to work together in partnership to achieve the desired outcomes of reduced emissions, improved air quality and modals shift. He had spoken to the Essex Youth Assembly and they held it as a high priority concern. • Some measures could include longer term tenders to encourage investment by operators. • S. suggested that there were a number of sensitive political issues involved in producing 4level of modal shift that would produce a meaningful outcome and that this needed careful 0(handling. • 1)Cllr Gooding suggested that there was now a generational effect that could assist with changing.

3.0 Electric Bus Town project

DfT has announced its intention to offer a Grant to create Britain’s First Electric bus town. There are no detail so far o the conditions. Essex intends to put in a bid. Discussion ensued. It was suggested that Colchester/Braintree Garden Town developments, Harwich/Clacton, Saffron Walden, Brentwood and Loughton would all make good pilot towns. Operator expressed concerns over vehicle/battery life, vehicle range, driver training and the cost of converting depots to electric operations.

4.0 Rural DRT pilot

DfT has similarly announced a fun to pilot innovative rural Demand Responsive Transport services, currently set at £20m. ECC is looking bid to extend its Shottle digital DRT platform.

5.0 Terms and conditions

Cllr Kendal asked that the extension the board to cover rail issues as well as buses could be discussed at the next meeting.

6.0 How do people ask for new bus routes to be piloted?

A general discussion ensued. Operators indicted that the costs and risk of trying new routes meant that they would rarely be able to do this without funding from outside – S106 from developments or direct service contract. ECC noted that there are constraints on the level of council funding available and on how s106 funding can be used. Such requests needed to be addressed on a case by case basis. People could ask the CC but unless they could demonstrate a very strong case of unmet need and or/developer funding ECC was unlikely to be able to meet the request.