South Rural Transport Group

Minutes of the Meeting held on Mon 5 August 2013 at 2pm

Harthill Village Hall, Harthill, Rotherham

Present Richard Swan (Chair) (RS)– Chairman, Parish Council Rachel Cowling (RC) – South PTE Dorothy Gill (DG) – Harthill Bus User Dave Cooper (DC) – Community Transport Co-ordinator Liz O’Brien (LO’B) – Parish Council Liz Simmonite - Harthill & Woodall Parish Council Clive Jepson – Anston PC/RMBC G Holdon – Bus User D Holdon – Bus User Trevor Froggatt – Bus User Neil Bennett – (NB) Bus user Doug Snowden – (DS) Bus user F Atkin – Bus User L Atkin – Bus User E Prutt (EP) - Bus user Miss M Stanley (MS) - Bus user Mrs D. G Mallatratt (DM) - Bus user Mrs J Hunt - Bus User Val Morris – Bus User Alan Morris – Bus User

1. Apologies for Absence

Rita Alderton (RA) - Bus user

2. Minutes of last meeting

The minutes were agreed to be a true record of the meeting held on 13 May 2013.

3. Matters Arising

The group requested feedback from the Dinnington drop in ‘Your Bus Matters’ event held in March.

The summary of comments made at the Dinnington event are attached to these minutes – Appendix 1

Post Meeting note – Rachel Cowling (RC) has requested feedback from Bus Users UK as to what happens to the information following events such as this and how it is fed back to the public and whether any changes are made as a result of the event etc. 4. Bus Services Update

RC updated the group on plans to review the Rotherham Network and introduce changes in January 2014. Consultation is still planned for Autumn 2013. Drop-in sessions will be arranged for members of the public to attend and ask any questions they may have regarding the proposals. Everyone is encouraged to complete a questionnaire with their comments to ensure that they are considered as part of the consultation evaluation process. In the consultation local bus users will be asked what they would like to see included in the network.

Details of the location, dates and times of the drop-ins will be advised near the time.

Details of how the buses are run in terms of who does what with regards to running the buses both commercially and on a tendered basis was requested by the Parish Councillors.

Details of how the administration works and how the buses are operated along with how services are registered and how the 4xY changes work was also requested.

The process for the above is attached as Appendix 2 below:

5. Community Transport Update

DC’s report is attached as Appendix 3 for information

6. Railway update

Planning has been submitted for a local travellers site on Dog Kennel Lane next to Kiverton Park. This has resulted in a 1,500 strong petition being submitted against the proposal. Locals would prefer the site to be adapted for parking.

No further issues for discussion.

7. Any Other Business

Nothing further to add.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

Monday 4 November 2013 at 2pm at Harthill Village Hall

Appendix 1 Bus User Surgery - Dinnington Friday1st March 2013 Summary of comments made by attendees.

Weekly Travel Pass (unemployed) is not available at Dinnington only obtainable at or Rotherham. Passenger having to pay £5 to purchase photo when there is a camera on the Computer in the issue office. Journey planner provided by SYPTE is poor for planning long distance journeys

Lack of bus services across the area on Sundays, what services are operating don’t give much time at destination. ( Eg Route to Sherwood Forest)

People would like to have more bus services on Sunday’s if only in Summertime months.

Buses used on the x5 are not comfortable – unsuitable for longer journeys.

No direct bus service from Dinnington to Meadow hall for shopping.

No direct bus service from Dinnington to hospital.

Issues of Wheelchair / buggy access

Poor evening services around South Anston.

Service changes to route 29 not serving the Leisure Centre.

Lack of bus service from South Anston – Rotherham via the hospital.

Dinnington Interchange - Lack of timetable information for connecting services across South Yorkshire.

Traffic congestion at Woodsetts making services unreliable.

Would like to see the restoration of service 29 this route gave good hospital access to Rotherham.

Why have a bus pass if services can’t be maintained and operated.

Services in South Anston are irregular.

Lack of publicity if and when services & routes are changed

Lack of regular bus service to Meadowhall it takes 2 hours plus to get there. I could go to in that time! No buses to Henley Mortham – like a desert. Direct service req’d to Rotherham hospital & Sheffield.

Some early morning services need a double decked vehicle, lots of people standing.

Drivers need to encourage people to sit down / move down the bus and not congregate around the front of the vehicle. (this is especially young people going to and from college)

Drivers should wait until people are sitting down before pulling away also should not pull away until Mums / carers have correctly manoeuvred the wheelchair / buggy into position.

Direct bus service from South Anston – Hospital journey is too long via Swallows Nest.

Service 29 was brilliant!

Direct service from South Anston - Hospital.

ALL drivers were excellent during the snowy / bad weather.

Inaccessible buses being operated on services to . Passenger often has to wait for three buses before I can board with my wheelchair. Sometimes I have to sit besides the driver, which is dangerous for everyone. I rely on buses to get out and about.

Direct bus from Dinnington - Meadowhall via .

Why change the ‘old’ services 25 & 29

North Anston please put the bus back I’ve been told this service has ceased due to poor condition of road, but the 19a gets through.

Bus stop required adjacent to Tesco ? Undergate Road. It’s a long way to walk with shopping.

I would like to see the return of the Conductor.

No service in the evening from South Anston – Rotherham

Not enough leg room / uncomfortable seats on X5. No direct service from South Anston / to Rotherham hospital.

There should not be a size restriction for buggies.

Buxton services - old vehicles not user friendly.

Lack of service from South Anston- Meadowhall. Buses late @ Woodsetts.

Pushchairs are never folded they take up lots of room.

Why does the 14:00 from Doncaster only operate as far as Maltby rather than Dinnington?

Lack of direct service to Meadowhall.

X5 old buses

Turn off the PA at the bus station, bus station bad design. Customer service operators are unhelpful sometimes. Some drivers are rude.

Lack of service from Laughton village - Rotherham Hosptial. Why not divert 19B?

Why not use numbers instead of letters to differentiate between route?

Live in Woodsetts services excellent x1 per hour x2 would be nice but understand why. There is a big gap in services from 8:30am – 10am making it difficult for people who have to attend appts:

Not enough Sunday services.

Would like a bus to operate down Outgang Lane, there are lots of people living in the area, there are already bus stops in place.

Buses to Meadowhall

Crystal Peaks journey too long.

Stagecoach buses are better than First (age & cleanliness)

Stop cars parking on bus stop outside Kiveton Post Office.

When services are delayed at Pond street there is no information. There needs to be information at stand. 29 was a good service to the hospital.

More direct route req’d avoid Anston. New timetable and bus info req’d re X5 Bus station announcement if bus delayed / missing.

X5 buses very uncomfortable for long journey. Route 29 used to connect with trains at X5 doesn’t.

To improve 19A operate via Rotherham hospital.

Request another bus stop on Laughton Road.

Request bus stop sited in Tesco at Dinnington Would like to see 19A operate via Rotherham hospitasl Service 27 takes 1.5hours to operate to hospital would like to see shorter route.

Service 29 would like to see service revert back to old route with a more frequent service.

Miss the service to Meadowhall

19 service often late at South Anston.

Why is 19A not operating via Woodlands Drive South Anston?

19A only hourly - if a breakdown no connections in Dinnington.

No direct bus from North Anston – Rotherham Hospital. No bus to Meadowhall.

No Crystal Peaks bus. X5 & 19A follow each other.

No bus to Meadowhall. Bus to Kiveton rail station doesn’t integrate with rail.

No direct bus from South Anston to Rotherham hospital, have to change at Dinnington.

No direct route 27 takes 1hr 40mins to get there.Sometimes I miss the X5 connection with the 27

No bus from South Anston on Sundays. No direct route to Crystal Peaks or Meadowhall. What purpose does the 27 serve? It causes confusion.

Can the X5 be diverted via Lakeland Drive if only x 1 per hour.

Service from Lakeland Drive – Meadowhall can it be re instated?

Service 19 often late going to .

Enquiry re Concessionary pass.

Would like service to Rotherham hospital from Laughton en le Morthern. Long walk to Laughton common since service 25 withdrawn.

X5 unreliable.

Only x1 bus per hour from Woodsetts ( 19A)

X5 seats uncomfortable, better connections with trains at Kiveton Park Double decker req’d on X5

Worksop requires a decent operational bus station.

19A only x 1 per hour can use X5 but it’s difficult living on Nursery lane. Could this be thought about please?

Appendix 2

HOW OUR BUS SERVICES ARE PROVIDED

Background

The Transport Act 1985 led to the de-regulation of the provision of bus services in 1986 and ultimately privatisation of both the National Bus Company and local authority owned bus companies. The Act effectively replaced the coordination of bus networks at local level with a free market model where bus services are provided by commercial businesses.

Current Position

Under the deregulated market Bus Operators determine the routes, frequencies and fares for the services they intend to operate to achieve the profit levels they require, there are no obligations on operators to provide services in areas or at specific times if they do not wish, for example early or late in the day, on Sundays or on routes where they feel there are insufficient passengers to be profitable. This frequently results in limited or no service provision in the early mornings, late evenings or in rural areas, as many bus services are competing on busy corridors during the daytime with little provision at unsocial times or to peripheral communities.

Bus services can be provided by any “qualified” operator, Standards within the industry are overseen by the Traffic Commissioner, the industry regulator, supported by the Vehicle Operator Service Agency (VOSA). Operators are required to register details of all the routes and timetables they intend to operate with the Traffic Commissioner eight weeks before the services are due to start. Operators are then required to operate the service to the specification submitted to the Traffic Commissioner. Operators can change the routes and timetables at any time , provided that they give eight weeks advance notice of the changes (see Notification of changes section below) :

“Qualified Operators”

All operators are required to obtain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operators licence (O licence) before they can operate services, these are issued by the regulatory body, the Traffic Commissioner. Operators can apply for a licence for as many vehicles as they wish. The PSV “o” licence application process requires operators to provide evidence of:

 Financial Standing i.e. do they have sufficient funds available to maintain the business  Vehicle maintenance arrangements  Professional experience – Operators are required to have a designated Traffic Manager i.e. a named employee of the company who has the required formal qualification

Licences are issued for a specific number of vehicles ,these can vary by operator but the operator cannot operate more vehicles then the maximum specified on their “o” licence

The role of South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (SYPTA) and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE)

SYPTE determine whether “gaps” in service provision, i.e. Additional early morning, evening, Sunday and services to isolated communities, should be filled through delivery of the policies set by SYITA, the local transport authority comprised of local councillors from each of the four South Yorkshire districts. SYPTE can secure the provision of additional bus services where they consider it appropriate to meet public transport requirements. Effectively SYPTE invite tenders for additional bus services to fill the gaps in provision, where they are not provided commercially, in accordance with policy objectives of SYPTA and does so objectively through the use of an agreed criteria which considers accessibility and cost per passenger subsidy indicators.

The funding for these services are provided from a levy the transport authority make on the district councils, and central government grants funding to the authority, which cumulatively enable SYPTA to fulfil its statutory duties such as the provisions of concessionary travel, management of the local rail franchise, provision of infrastructure such as interchanges, shelters, provision of public transport information and the development planning long term transport projects. That levy from the districts usually varies according to the total amount of funding each authority has available.

Competition has resulted in a number of bus operators entering the market and providing bus services both commercially and under contract to SYPTE. These operators all work independently and can changes the routes, timetables and fares etc. when they wish (with 8 weeks’ notice).

There are several reasons why operators change their services. They may not be operating profitably, they no longer serve the communities as well as they had historically or sometimes there are new opportunities/areas to be served e.g. new housing estates.

Whist legislation allows changes to services to be made at any time, it is recognised that continuous change can be disruptive and agreements have been secured within South Yorkshire & throughout the UK whereby changes are agreed on certain dates of the year.

In South Yorkshire, by agreement there are currently 4 changes per year (4xY - late January, April, July and October) and closer partnership working has agreed that this will be reduced to 3 times a year (3xY) in 2014 (January, April and September) . This means greater stability of the bus network building confidence for passengers using the services.

Notification of Changes

Operators have a statutory duty to notify the Traffic Commissioner, currently 56 days, in advance of the intended Start/Change date,. This notification has to include the details of the route to be followed, the timetable and the stops to be observed, all in the form of a “Registration” document to the Commissioner. The operators are required to provide a copy to the local transport authority (SYPTE).

When SYPTE receive the information, it is captured in a digital format to enable the production of numerous information products, in various formats including, national journey planning, mapping, on street information at bus stops, timetable leaflets, Real Time Information (RTI) displays, Your Next Bus and briefings for local councillors, MPs, Parish councillors and stakeholders in advance of the changes to enable them to answer any questions from their constituents or raise any issues with officers at SYPTE.

Appendix 3

Community Transport in South Yorkshire

Barnsley Doncaster Rotherham Sheffield

Community Links South Yorkshire/Co-ordinators REPORT South Rotherham Rural Transport Group Meeting 5th August 2013 Harthill Village Hall

South Yorkshire South Yorkshire Transport Users Group Meeting, 3rd July 2013 at The CLC had a request from SYPTE to make a presentation at the above meeting on the Agenda item “Community Transport in South Yorkshire”. The CLC emphasised the impact CT had on combating Social Exclusion. The service is playing a major role in ensuring the most vulnerable and isolated in the community are gaining better access to services. It is reducing the barriers to participation for the elderly and disabled. Furthermore, it is helping to combat loneliness enabling service users to have a more inclusive part in society. CT services contribute to keeping people in the area active, healthy and independent. The presentation was really well received by all present. Alzheimer's Society Doncaster & Rotherham 19/07/13 Hi Dave Thank you for your email, I had a number of discussions with regards to transport issues for people with dementia. I would love to offer a services to people with dementia that live alone to enable them to attend dementia Cafe's. I'm away on leave for the next two week but I will attached one of our Cafe leaflets which will give you times, dates and venues. Would be happy to talk to you when I get back if that's ok. Regards Liz

Support Services Manager Alzheimer's Society Doncaster & Rotherham Tel: 01709 580543 Mobile No: 07515976366 Email: [email protected] alzheimers.org.uk

Wah Hong Chinese Association Rotherham/Sheffield 20/06/13 The Wah Hong Chinese Association has members in both Rotherham and Sheffield that take part in the many and varied activities for the Chinese Community. These activities include: English lessons, IT sessions, walking sessions, picnic, BBQ’s, luncheon clubs and visits to local attractions. The CLC met with Alex Lee, Part Time Project Manager, and he has agreed to become a Volunteer Mini Bus Driver with RCT. The CLC has taken up references and is processing his application and DBS check. Update Driving Assessment: Dear Mr Adrian Parkinson Thank you for your kind email and would be pleased to do the above on 28/06/2013 at 11.15am. Do you need anything from me when I get there next week so can you please advise. Thank You Alex Rotherham Myplace Rotherham St Ann's Road Rotherham S65 1PH, Nicola Markham, Centre Manager 20/06/13 The CLC met with Nicola at My Place Rotherham. She runs a number of cookery classes for various organisations including: Headway, Alzheimer’s Society and groups with learning disabilities. She also wants to develop lunch clubs during the week for the lonely and isolated. The CLC will help her with transport requirements for those wishing to attend the activities. Contact details: Nicola 01709 837 428 Rotherham Transport Users Group, 4th July Rotherham Interchange The CLC attended the above meeting and informed those present of the following:  New Volunteer Minibus Driver for RCT to work with Chinese Community  Work with Chinese Community access to activities via Group Travel  Promo DVD work at RCT  New website due to be launched shortly

Rotherham Community Transport, Volunteer Driver Update 17/07/13 The CLC met with Stephen to update him on progress with the two new volunteer drivers. Alex Lee has undertaken his Driving Assessment everything else is satisfactory. He should then be in a position to carry out his volunteering role. The CLC handed over Alex’s paper work to RCT. Other matters discussed:  New website being developed www.door2door.org.uk  Affordable transport for Alzheimer’s Drop Ins  Promo DVD

Perigrin Way Centre Fund Harthill 16/07/13

The CLC has had a request from Ida the treasurer to assist the group with monitoring a grant he had secured for them.

Debbie (RCT) has provided the CLC with a print out of activity over the past two years. The CLC will also work with the group in developing a promo DVD for RCT highlighting the impact accessible transport has had for its members.

A funding application to the Co-operative Community Fund is also being developed.

Update

A funding bid has been submitted to the Co-operative Community Fund to cover the cost of transport for the group.

Rotherham Community Transport, Promo DVD, Stephen, Chris and CLC 05/07/13

The CLC met with Stephen and Chris at RCT to plan the production of a Promo DVD for Door 2 Door Services.

The CLC travelled on the Harthill Shopper Bus and an interview with Rita Alderton was filmed. The morning was a great success with some excellent footage.

Rita’s story:

Comments on the service: to Community Links Co-ordinator (DC) via e mail

From Rita Alderton at South Anston

How can 2 days in ones life change ? In September I went from being energetic and Dancing (even winning an Athene Award for 60 years of unpaid Community work) to having a Major Operation - ones life fell apart.

I remembered the Door 2 Door service that I had in past years persuaded people to use it. At almost 82 sold my car, and now use your Service - Its BRILLIANT I can now go to Meadowhall again to meet up with friends and particularly with my Sister who is 86 and talk for a couple of hours over Coffee.

Now I am getting stronger I will be trying other places in your Brochure - the Drivers are Perfect. Cheerful AND carry your shopping bag to the House Door !! Many Thanks RITA J ALDERTON

The Rotherham Intermediate Care Centre (RICC)

The Rotherham Intermediate Care Centre (RICC), located on Badsley Moor Lane, is a joint partnership between Rotherham Council and Rotherham Foundation Trust.

The centre is set to provide new rehabilitation facilities within a day setting for the people of Rotherham.

The centre works as an intermediate care hub, bringing together therapists, specialist mental health workers and support workers who are providing services to promote and maximise independence following a patient's recent episode in hospital, change in functional abilities or a worsening of their long- term condition.

The CLC and Stephen Hewitson will meet with the Centre Manager on Tuesday 6th August.