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Minutes:
It was noted that there was no representative from
West Coast Motors present at the meeting.
The Chair advised that bus services had still not
returned to pre-covid levels and that it was causing concerns.Ìý He advised that implementation of the decision
to split the Dunoon to Rothesay service into two due to Calmac cancellations
was causing issues and added half an hour to the journey time between Dunoon
and Portavadie.Ìý He advised that he
intended to write to West Coast Motors in this regard.
Councillor Forrest advised that the early morning
bus service from Toward to Dunoon pier was not running and this was causing
issues as the only other options were to drive or take a taxi as the Pingo service did not run that early. She asked if this
could be included in the letter to West Coast Motors.
Kirstie Reid advised that the Inveraray to Cairndow evening service was no longer running and was
causing issues for people who used the service when travelling to and from the
Beatson on the Glasgow service bus.Ìý She
asked if this could be raised as well.
Outcome
The Forum noted that the Chair would write to West
Coast Motors highlighting the issues raised.
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Reduced Bus Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ
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Minutes:
Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors, advised the
Forum that the bus services were still not back to pre-lockdown levels with
mileage at 87% and patronage at 60% and that there had been issues in
recruiting drivers.
Discussion focussed on the disappointment in the
continued lack of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ and Bute Council Officer attendance and engagement at
the Forum’s meetings in order to address issues raised around reduced bus
services and lack of communication with Elected Members around bus service
changes.
Outcome
The Forum noted that the position.
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Reduced Bus Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ
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Minutes:
Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors, advised the
Forum that additional services had been added to the 478 and 489 routes and in
terms of mileage they were operating at 87% of pre-covid
levels and with the flexibility of the Pingo service this
was seeing mileage at approximately 93% whereas patronage was still down by
38%.Ìý Mr McCormick stated that enhanced
cleaning of vehicles was continuing to be done by drivers which reduced the
hours they were available to drive, this coupled with the nationwide shortage
of bus and HGV trainers and the back-log at DVLA in processing licences for
trainees, meant there was no option to return to full service levels at
present.
The Forum noted that a mid-day service had resumed
on the Dunoon to Carrick Castle route (484) on Tuesday and Thursday schooldays
and the timetable would be circulated in due course along with the times of
connecting services between Rothesay and Dunoon/Portavadie.
Discussion focused on the reasons for the cessation
of the bus service to North Campbell Road in Innellan
(489) and the issue of parked vehicles along the road.Ìý It was suggested that the Pingo
service is available to be booked for this area for bookings between 8.30am and
5.30pm although noted that the 489 bus was already in position anyway and with
a small adjustment to timetabling to omit the 15 minute wait, could tie in with
the ferry departure.
Outcome
The Forum noted that South Cowal Community Council
had offered to work with WCM to alleviate parking concerns by leafleting in the
area if the service was reinstated and that Elected Members for the ward had
been in contact with the Executive Director regarding consultation on service
amendments.
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Reduced Bus Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ
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Minutes:
Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors (WCM), advised
the Forum that service levels were currently at 90% pre-covid
levels and discussion focussed on getting all services back on as soon as
possible whilst looking at alternatives such as Pingo
and how WCM are funded through fare revenue and concessionary fares which have
severely reduced and how Transport Scotland has guaranteed to assist in
plugging the funding gap only until the end of June 2021. The Forum also noted
that all vehicles used to service bus routes were Equality Act compliant.
Outcome
The Forum noted the position.
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7 Reduced Bus Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ PDF 57 KB
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Minutes:
The Forum noted the letter from Trish McCotter, Bus Policy Officer, Transport Scotland in relation to funding for rural bus services.
Murray Rodger, West Coast Motors stated that they were in close dialogue with the council over service levels which are currently sitting atÌý 80% of pre-covid levels; they employ a one man one bus policy; Ìýpassenger levels are below 20% with 1.4 passengers per journey, with many journeys having zero passengers; vehicles capacity levels trackers on buses; ÌýÌýsome school journeys remain for key worker’s children and they look forward to a new normal soon noting how peak service patterns are changing from 7am to 10am
Discussion on the importance of ensuring bus timetable at stanchions are up-to-date was had with local councillors agreeing to investigate through Casebook where appropriate.
Outcome
The Forum;
1.
noted the letter from Transport Scotland; and
2.
noted the update from West Coast Motors.
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Minutes:
Murray Rodger, West Coast Motors stated that whilst working in conjunction with the council they could confirm that additional journeys on routes 480, 482 and 489 have been implemented as of today which took them to 80% normal capacity with updated timetables to be added at bus stops and sent to community councils to put up on notice boards.Ìý The Forum noted that in addition the printed timetables will have QPR codes on them to take people straight to the website for the latest updates.
Concerns were expressed that bus services had still not returned to pre-Covid levels of service. Murray Rogers explained that passenger numbers had not returned to pre-Covid levels and they relied on fare income as well as grants to cover their costs. Although the Scottish Government had provided an increased amount of grant, this was not enough to cover the cost of providing the pre-Covid level of service.
Discussion focused on the additional time and expense required to keep the buses safe and clean in light of covid-19 restrictions and how this time needed to be incorporated into timetables to remain compliant with the safety measures.
Outcome
The Forum;
1.
noted the position;
2.
agreed to pass a query from Ronnie McAlister
regarding the experience of Stantec in dealing with
rural transport issues to Martin Arnold to respond to; and
3.
requested that Martin Arnold distribute updated
timetables as soon as possible.
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