AGENDA ITEM
RURAL BUS SERVICE INITIATIVE – CONSULTATION RESULT
8
Report to Transport Panel 14 December 2004
Author: Keith White 01992 588637
1.
Purpose of Report
To seek the Panel’s view following consultation with Local Members and Parish
Councils on a proposed rural bus demand responsive project.
2.
Background
At the meeting on 16 June 2004 the Panel considered proposals for developing an
urban and rural bus initiative. The rural bus initiative offered two options for
development of a demand responsive service, and the Panel recommended
proceeding with the first option – ‘to operate to a schedule with some fixed
timetable points as now, but allow demand responsive diversions within defined
areas’. The proposal covered a large area of North and East Hertfordshire.
Following further discussions, Officers were asked to formally consult with local
Members, Parish Councils, and Joint Member Panels on an agreed range of
options, and to ensure that the consultation document was available to the public
on HertsDirect. The consultation details are in Appendix A, but the options offered
were as follows:
Option A - We could keep things exactly as they are with services operating to a
fixed schedule.
Option B - We could operate to a broad schedule which has fixed destinations
and some fixed pick up points but allows diversions off this route to predetermined points if requested.
Option C - We could keep school routes fixed and run the remaining service
entirely to demand with one bus covering a particular set of villages around one or
more towns. This could be available daily.
3.
Results of Consultation
The responses are summarised in Appendix B.
The majority of responses received were in favour of Option A – to retain a
scheduled service with no demand responsive element. The second highest
response was for Option B – a core scheduled element with deviations from these
routes on demand.
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4.
Issues for the Panel to consider
The consultation response was to retain the service in the existing format, with no
demand responsive element. The contracts in these rural areas expire at the end
of March 2005, and to ensure continuity of provision in line with Option A, the
Passenger Transport Unit has tendered these services on the existing basis. This
takes account of the time scales for tender assessment and award of contracts.
It could still be possible to introduce demand responsive elements into these
contracts at a later date but decisions would need to be taken on booking systems.
5.
Financial Implications
The demand responsive option that Panel had recommended assumed that we
would use 2004/5 LTP funding to acquire vehicles, but as a result of the
consultation process no allocation of the estimated funding has been made.
Until tenders for the new contracts have been assessed, it is not possible to
confirm whether the County Council, North Hertfordshire District Council, East
Hertfordshire District Council, and for some services Essex and Cambridgeshire
County Councils, can fund their contributions to the present arrangements from
2005/06 onwards.
6.
Recommendations
It is not recommended that Option C is progressed. No Parish Council supported
the option. Option A should be progressed, but it may be possible to introduce
some demand responsive elements into a scheduled core service (Option B) to
meet aspirations for greater flexibility in new contract awards.
The Panel is asked to consider whether officers should continue to proceed with
Option A, and introduce additional flexibility on an incremental basis.
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Appendix A
RURAL BUS SERVICES – WHICH WAY FORWARD?
Traditionally, bus services have been provided on the basis of a fixed timetable. Where
usage is high, enabling a reasonable frequency of service, this works well. However, in
rural areas this is not generally the case. If buses are too infrequent they are not seen as
a viable way of meeting residents’ needs.
In some parts of the country local councils have introduced a demand responsive
service. This attempts to allow residents to book a bus journey to one or more local towns
at a time and on a day which meets their needs. Once there they can then use the main
bus or rail network to access other towns and cities.
Not every journey can be accommodated at precisely the time required, but the intention
is to meet as many needs as possible as close to the time as practicable. It is a little like
a shared community taxi with a fixed fare for passengers.
The network of bus services in part of North and East Hertfordshire is being re-planned
for new contracts with bus operators next Spring. This is your chance to shape that
future.
Which services?
These are the services which currently run in the area:
Service
4
10
20
22
23
24
24
25
26
27
28
43
Places Served
South End – Sawbridgeworth –
Bishop’s Stortford
Chrishall – Manuden – Bishop’s
Stortford
Anstey – Furneux Pelham –
Bishop’s Stortford
Buntingford – Weston – Hitchin
Frequency
1 return journey, Thursdays only
1 return journey, Saturdays only
2-4 each way, Monday to Saturday
2-3 each way, Tuesdays and
Saturdays only
Royston – Sandon – Hitchin
1 return journey, Tuesdays only
Buntingford – Sandon – Royston 1-2 each way, Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays only
Royston town service
1-2 each way, Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays only
Buntingford – Sandon –
1 return journey, Mondays only
Buntingford circular
Royston – Anstey – Manuden – 1 return journey, Thursdays only
Bishop’s Stortford
Royston – Brent Pelham –
1 return journey, Wednesdays only
Royston circular
Furneux Pelham – Anstey –
1 return journey, Mondays only
Buntingford
Chrisall – Barley – Royston
2/3 return journeys, Monday to
Saturday
Puckeridge – Buntingford –
Once a week on Friday
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334
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386
423
898
Barley – Cambridge
Buntingford – Puckeridge –
Bishop’s Stortford
Hitchin town service
Kelshall – Buntingford
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3/4 journeys each way, Monday to
Saturday
1 return journey schooldays only
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Which villages?
The villages and communities which will have the opportunity to shape their bus services
are:
Allens Green, Anstey, Albury, Ardeley, Barkway, Barley, Berden, Braughing, Brent
Pelham, Buckland, Buntingford, Bury Green, Chipping, Chrishall, Clavering, Cottered,
Cromer, Dassels, Duddenhoe End, Elmdon, Furneux Pelham, Great Chishill, Great
Hormead, Green End, Green Tye, Halls Green, Hare Street, Hay Green (Therfield), Hay
Street, Hazel End, High Wych, Heydon, Kelshall, Langley Upper Green, Little Hadham,
Little Hormead, Little London, Luffenhall, Manuden, Meesden, Mill End, Newsells,
Nuthampstead,
Perry Green, Puckeridge, Reed, Reed End, Redhill, Roe Green, Rushden, Southern
Green (Rushden), Sandon, Standon, Stickling Green, Stocking Pelham, Therfield,
Throcking, Wallington, Wellpond Green, Weston
Which towns?
Services go to Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Buntingford, Cambridge, Hitchin, Letchworth,
Royston.
What are the options?
A – We could keep things exactly as they are with services operating to a fixed schedule.
B – We could operate to a broad schedule which has fixed destinations and some fixed
pick up and set down points but allows diversions off this route to pre-determined points if
requested.
C – We could keep school routes fixed and run the remaining service entirely to demand
with one bus covering a particular set of villages around one or more towns. This could
be available daily.
Where would services go?
Under options A and B the general pattern of services would be similar to the present but
under option B some sections would only be met on demand.
Under option C services would operate within a smaller geographical area on demand. In
general there would be a higher frequency but less choice of destination. The level of
demand would determine the areas served although it may not be possible to meet all
requests.
Differences between A and B
New sections served on demand under option B but not served at all under option
A–
Wallington, Southern Green, Mill End, Green End – to Royston on Wednesdays; to
Buntingford on Mondays
Nuthampstead – to Royston on Wednesdays
Bury Green – to Bishops Stortford on Thursdays
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Sections served on a scheduled basis under option A but on demand under option B –
To Royston – Hare Street, Great Hormead, Little Hormead, Throcking
To Hitchin and Letchworth – Rushden, Redhill, Throcking, Ardeley
To Bishops Stortford – Hare Street, Great Hormead, Little Hormead, Wellpond Green,
Standon village, Barley
To Cambridge – all locations Fridays
To Buntingford (except schools) – all locations Mondays
Areas for option C
You will be asked to state where you live and the areas you would like to travel to, giving
three options in priority order. This will give us the opportunity to determine the routes
that will be included. For example, people living in Sandon might wish to travel to Hitchin,
Royston or Buntingford and would need to let us know the order of importance for these
journeys.
To Cambridge – not provided direct.
Essex villages to be determined with Essex CC.
For an on demand service, how would I book?
You will need to register in advance and contact a booking office to request a trip.
Will I know whether my request has been successful?
Under option B the booking office will be able to confirm that a diversion will be possible
on the journey selected at the time the request is made.
Under option C it will depend on other trips requested and the booking office will be able
to confirm about 24 hours in advance, when the scheduling of services is undertaken.
Will I be able to just turn up?
Under options A and B you will if it is a fixed part of the route. Under option C there are
no published timetables or routes. The booking office will make reasonable efforts to
contact the vehicle and driver to see if late requests can be accommodated as it is
intended to have a real time communications link with each vehicle.
Will fares change?
Fares will be similar whichever option is chosen.
What types of vehicle will be used?
It is expected that low floor accessible buses with 20-25 seats will be used.
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QUESTIONS
Which option do you prefer?
A
B
C
If C please state where you live and where you want to travel to (up to three
destinations in priority order):
Where you live: ………………………………………………………………….
Priority 1 : ………………………………………………………………………..
Priority 2 : ………………………………………………………………………..
Priority 3 : ………………………………………………………………………..
Which THREE elements of the service are MOST important ?
i)
Reliable timekeeping?………………………………………………….
ii)
Frequency of service?…………………………………………………
iii)
Choice of destinations?……………………………………………….
iv)
Being able to request a journey at short notice?……………………
v)
Being able to plan well in advance?………………………………….
vi)
Value for money fares?………………………………………………..
vii)
Accessible type of vehicle?……………………………………………
viii)
Direct journey taking as little time as possible?…………………….
ix)
Another factor? – state………………………………………………..
Any other comments?
Name:
Address:
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RURAL BUS SERVICES CONSULTATION – Summary of Responses
Respondee
Albury PC
Option
3 Important Elements
A
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Direct journey taking as
little time as possible.
Buckland PC
B
Buntingford
Parishioner
A
Buntingford
Parishioner
A
CAB
Buntingford
B
Cottered &
Ardeley
Parishioner
A
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Choice of destinations.
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Value for money fares.
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Value for money fares.
Reliable timekeeping.
Being able to request a
journey at short notice.
Being able to plan well in
advance.
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Accessible type of vehicle.
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Appendix B
Comments
Could do with the service being extended perhaps just to add a later
run on Fri/Sat evenings to allow the youngsters to go to the cinema
etc. Also regarding school routes, some children in the village attend
Hockerill School in Bishop’s Stortford, which they attend on Saturday
mornings. It would be helpful if the 12.00 noon service 20 left at 12.30
pm and not 12.00 noon as they finish school at 12.20 pm.
Several parishioners would like to see a London-Cambridge bus in
operation.
Would like a little longer for the Harlow (354) shopping.
Need hourly service to Bishop’s Stortford and Stevenage MondaySaturday and at least three hourly Sunday and Bank Holidays from
Buntingford.
As a Councillor, speaking to many of the villagers who use the
services, they all agree that things are well as they are and with the
700 service adequate.
Respondee
Cottered &
Ardeley
Parishioner
Cottered &
Ardeley
Parishioner
Cottered &
Ardeley
Parishioner
Cottered &
Ardeley PC
Option
3 Important Elements
A
Reliable timekeeping.
Value for money fares.
Direct journey taking as
little time as possible.
A
A
Frequency of service.
B
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Value for money fares.
Hormead PC
B
Little Hadham
PC
A
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Comments
The 700 service isn’t mentioned, but that is the best one.
Being able to make a return journey as well as an outward one (or an
outward as well as return) – I usually find I have to walk one way.
Only one person in Little Hormead reliant on bus service. More
flexibility needed to allow return journey from Buntingford or Bishop’s
Stortford with heavy shopping to terminate at her door. The service to
Buntingford does not allow flexibility. A twice daily service to
Buntingford and Bishop’s Stortford, dropping passengers at
convenient places rather than designated stops.
Need more of the same, rather than improving quality and reliability.
Need for a bus stop nearer Little Hadham Parish Hall (nearest stop is
at The Ford). No service on Sunday means that people cannot visit
family and friends. On demand service or volunteer car owner for one
off trips to places such as Barnet. Bus users in the village would
probably rather have existing system if attempts to ‘improve’ the
service caused disruption, and in the end, a poorer service.
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Respondee
Little Hadham
Parishioner
Little Hadham
Parishioner
Little Hadham
Parishioner
Rushden &
Wallington
Parishioner
Option
3 Important Elements
A
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Direct journey taking as
little time as possible.
B
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Choice of destinations.
A
Reliable timekeeping.
Frequency of service.
Accessible type of vehicle.
B
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Comments
Is it possible we could have an additional bus stop to the one at the
Ford, Little Hadham, ie nearer the Village Hall?
Option C will, I think, be very difficult to implement. A fair proportion of
bus users, especially the elderly or those with any sort of disability,
would find it difficult or confusing dealing with the involved procedure.
I read the document with a view to the service being used by older
children in the village and feel safety and regularity of paramount
importance. Would be good to use school buses for the purpose of
residents’ travel, and adult presence would prevent bad behaviour,
and people could be given a village specific pass. Preferred towns
would be Hitchin, Letchworth, Royston, Buntingford and Cambridge.
Respondee
North Herts Cllr
Steve Jarvis
Option
C
North Herts JMP
Member Sal
Jarvis
North Herts JMP
Member Paul
Clark
North Herts JMP
Member David
Billing
C
C
3 Important Elements
Comments
The current service structure in many villages, offering one or two
buses at different times on different days, means that the services are
only used for those few who have absolutely no alternative. Option A
perpetuates this. Option B makes almost no difference. Disappointing
that Option C doesn’t go further (more, smaller vehicles, using taxis to
deal with peaks in requirements, integration with community transport
etc), but I think it is the best of the options presented. To work, it will
need to be well advertised and easy to use. Since teenagers are
probably the second largest group of potential users after the elderly,
there will need to be booking options that suit both the young and the
old. It will also need a proper assessment of which towns people from
each village actually want to travel to (rather than relying on historical
patterns or trying to take people where we think they should want to
go). Done properly, however, demand responsive transport
represents the only viable way to provide any effective public
transport in the rural areas.
If adopted, this will need to be well advertised and clearly explained to
the public.
Reliable timekeeping.
Choice of destinations.
Value for money fares.
C
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Option C sounds most flexible, but I am concerned that if no
timetables exist, it will all be too uncertain and eventually most people
will not bother, and the end result will be no service. However, I am
not a villager affected, so I would defer to them.
Item 8 Page 11
Respondee
CCllr Bernard
Engel
CCllr Ian
Simpson
Option
A
3 Important Elements
C
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Item 8 Page 12
Comments
My understanding when we discussed on-demand bus services
recently at the Transport Panel, we concluded that it was not an
option.