Considered – A report of the Corporate Director for Environment seeking acceptance of a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP+) grant totalling £2,927,376 from the Department for Transport, broken down into two equal allocations of £1,463,688 for 2023/24 and 2024/25.
Councillor Keane Duncan introduced the report and drew attention to previous concerns about the sustainability of some bus services following a decline in passenger numbers as a result of the pandemic, leaving 79 routes at risk. He went on to confirm that as a result of the Authority’s action plan and close working with bus operators, the outlook was now much more positive, with no service having been lost due to being commercial unviable. He acknowledged the hard work of the passenger transport team and noted the previous £3.9m support from DfT that had proved to be a lifeline to services. He also noted the popularity of the £2 bus fare cap which had helped maintain and build on existing service levels.
Councillor Paul Haslam welcomed the funding but drew attention to the loss of a bus service in Bilton and expressed hope that the further funding could be used to improve the local bus services in the Bilton area.
The Executive welcomed the additional funding, and it was
Resolved – That the grant of £2.93m be accepted