Report of Head of Transportation Services
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BOROUGH OF POOLE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP – THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER 2003 REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON A REQUEST FOR A NEW BUS SERVICE 1. Purpose and Policy Context 1.1 To seek members’ approval to support the introduction of an experimental commuter bus service between Poole and Sandbanks. The provision of commuter bus services contribute to the following Council Core Values: Equality of Opportunity, Caring for the Environment and Enterprising Economy. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Council provide bus subsidy from the experimental bus service budget to meet half of the costs of a 6 months experimental commuter bus service between Poole and Sandbanks (£4,590 less half of fares collected). 3. Information 3.1 A good bus service network can contribute to achieving social, economic and environmental objectives by offering mobility to people who do not have access to private transport as well as providing an alternative for car drivers. Good public transport can result in reduced pollution and congestion improving the environment for all residents and visitors as well promoting social inclusion and economic development. 3.2 Policy 9 of the Passenger Transport Policy states that, “The Borough of Poole will meet on a trial basis reasonable requests for bus services which would otherwise not be provided, including services that help to reduce congestion and contribute to improvements in the environment. Where the performance justifies, such services will be considered for more permanent support.” 3.3 A request has been received via the Mayor, from Mr John Butterworth, Director of Arnewood Estates, for assistance with the provision of a commuter bus service. Arnewood Estates operate a number of hotels, including The Haven Hotel, Sandbanks Hotel and Harbour Heights Hotel. 3.4 The existing bus service from Poole to the Sandbanks peninsula (152) operated by Wilts & Dorset does not provide a journey until after 10.00 a.m. which is too late for the majority of hotel staff. This results in recruitment problems for the hotels and a reliance on private cars for the majority of staff with consequent parking and congestion problems on the peninsula. Improvements with public transport would provide an alternative mode of travel for employees currently arriving by car as well as widening employment opportunities for potential employees in the area. 1 3.5 Arnewood Estates have enquired about the possibility of providing an early morning journey to arrive in Sandbanks before 0730 with a return at approximately 1615. These journeys would be required on a daily basis (including weekends and including public holidays – except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). They have asked whether the service could incorporate the Lower Parkstone area as well as the town centre to link into services from other areas. By operating a service via the town centre and railway station, connections would be possible from areas such as Hamworthy and Alderney. 3.6 The recent change of operator of a Parkstone Grammar School local school bus contract serving Sandbanks to Shamrock Buses has given a fresh opportunity to consider whether utilising the “dead” or empty mileage could provide the required service. Shamrock Buses have been approached and have offered to operate the service on schooldays on a commercial basis. However, at weekends and during school holidays/weekends there would be a daily charge of £127.50, less any fares collected. 3.7 The service would be available to all members of the public wishing to travel as fare-payers to the Sandbanks and Lilliput areas, not just employees of Arnewood Estates. It could therefore widen employment opportunities, particularly for jobs attracting lower rates of pay. The service would observe existing bus stops along the line of route and the fares would be no greater than existing fares on Wilts & Dorset services. 3.8 Arnewood Estates are prepared to meet half the costs of a six months experimental bus service. If the service commenced operation on Monday 2 February 2004 and operated until the end of July 2004 (including Public Holidays), the total cost would be £9,180 (less fares collected). The cost to the Council would be half of this = £4,590 (less half of fares collected). This would be met from the Experimental Bus Services budget. 3.9 Publicity would be targeted at businesses along the route as well as providing information at roadside bus stops. The service would be reviewed after 4 months of operation with a further report being brought to the Transportation Advisory Group. 3.10 A schedule detailing the proposed service is set in Appendix A. 2 JAMES T BRIGHT Head of Transportation Services Background Papers Passenger Transport Policy Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact John McVey (01202) 262221 Appendix A – Proposed Route 18 November 2003 TAG111203T3E 3 Appendix A Proposed Route and Timetable of Additional Sandbanks Bus Service Route Commencing from Ringwood Road (Newtown), Herbert Avenue, Alder Road, Ashley Road, Constitution Hill Road, Longfleet Road, Elizabeth Road, Parkstone Road, High Street North, The George, Serpentine Lane, Poole Railway Station, Serpentine Lane, The George, High Street North, Parkstone Road, Commercial Road, Park Road, Sandbanks Road, Shore Road, Banks Road to Sandbanks Ferry Terminal. Timetable Daily (excluding Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Outward Return Ringwood Road (Newtown) 0645 1700 Ashley Road (St. John’s Church) 0700 1645 Poole Railway Station 0710 1630 Lilliput (Square) 0720 1620 Sandbanks Ferry 0725 1615 4.