Agenda item

The Chair invited updates from Operators.

First

First Representatives reported that over the previous 12 months reliability had improved from 95% to 99%. Although punctuality was still only at around 80%, it was anticipated that this should also improve following a review of scheduling and through use of the Prospective software.

Now that service delivery had reached a level of stability, further developments were being explored, for example:

• Trials of electric buses were being conducted in Sheffield to assess how the topography would affect mileage.
• A discounted product for 18-21 year olds was under consideration to replace the Zoom Beyond concession.
• Identifying areas for growth and opportunities for network development.

It was also acknowledged that First were keen to work with the Enhanced Partnership and the MCA to lobby government for more funding and a better deal for South Yorkshire.

The Bus Partnerships Project Director stated that the punctuality data reported to the Board was a rolling 12-month average and it would therefore take some time for any changes to appear in the figures. Any insights on punctuality problem areas to come from the Prospective-led analysis would be welcomed.

The Director of Public Transport Operations added that the MCA had protected as much of the bus network as possible until March 2025. In the meantime, it would be important to improve confidence in the system to increase patronage and grow the network into the future. He also confirmed that discussions had been held at the EP Development Group about operators introducing their own discounted products to replace the concession for 18-21 year olds. The MCA would continue to issue Zoom Beyond passes as proof of eligibility if any operator discounts became available. There was also an existing TravelMaster product and further conversations around their discounted ticket range would be taking place shortly.

Stagecoach

The Stagecoach Representative advised that over the last 18 months the focus had been on recovery and reform to ensure the business was fit for the future. Numerous changes had been taking place in the background, including:

• Increased pay scales across the business.
• Successful recruitment for the renewed engineering apprenticeships.
• Upskilling existing employees with the introduction of the Master Tech engineering grade.

The benefits of these changes were already being seen in a reduced turnover of 27% and improvements in service delivery with reliability now at 96.3% and a 7.1% increase in passenger journeys. However, overall punctuality was at 81.3% although 89.1% of services started on time. This was largely due to congestion.

Stagecoach was expecting delivery of 20 new double deck buses imminently and 23 electric buses were also planned to be introduced into the Rotherham area in the coming winter. Work was ongoing to review the network to reflect new travel patterns following the pandemic.

In response to questions, the Stagecoach Representative advised that the network review was not intended to remove resources but to ensure they were deployed in the right place. He confirmed that Stagecoach was already considering the potential consequences of the fare cap increase in November as well as how best to transition from the fare cap when it came to an end the following November. The main concern was that after more than 2 years of capped fares, tickets reverting to standard prices could come as a shock to passengers. Officers advocated for operators continuing to plan for the end of the fare cap to achieve a coordinated approach and smoother transition.

TM Travel

The TM Travel Representative informed the Board of work that was currently being undertaken to improve service delivery, such as:

• Providing additional support in the traffic office.
• Increased training and upskilling staff.
• Increased pay scales by 11%.

It was noted that there had been success in other areas transferring passengers from private networks to public services. This approach could be assessed for South Yorkshire.

CPT

The CPT Representative added the group’s support in lobbying government for more funding and a better deal for South Yorkshire. The MCA funded driver training programme, Routes to Success was progressing well. It was anticipated that it would provide a pipeline of drivers, particularly for smaller operators. A CPT working group was being set up to look at zero emissions solutions for rural areas.

He reported that he had been receiving feedback about roadworks and commented that a project on highways and traffic management could be something for the EP to take forward. Operators added that this could be a means by which to improve punctuality.

The Director of Public Transport Operations advised a project to address problem areas should be intelligence led. The EP could use available data on punctuality and congestion to identify hot spots and inform a targeted approach.

ACTION: Local authority representatives be invited to the next EP Board meeting to provide updates on highways and traffic management progress.

RESOLVED that the Bus Operator Updates be noted.