Agenda item

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on general matters of interest and/or matters relating to the work of the Forum

Members of the public and visiting councillors may speak at the forum, provided they have registered to speak three working days in advance. Please contact Democratic Services by 5pm on the 10 July 2024 via democracy@winchester.gov.uk or (01962) 848 264 to register to speak and for further details.

David Leslie addressed the forum and raised several points regarding local bus service and the associated travel plans, which could be summarised as follows.

1. He referred to the Section 106 agreement and the framework travel plan, which he understood was subject to agreement by Hampshire County Council, but he could not find any amended versions of it.
2. He noted the travel plan mentioned potential bus services W1 and W2, which were forecast to run every 30 minutes to Hedge End and Botley Station, but did not.
3. He referred to Hampshire County Councils travel consultation, which indicated public dissatisfaction with the current bus services.
4. He highlighted financial allocations within the Section 106 agreement, including a £40,500 audit fee and a £2,698,000 travel plan deposit, questioning why these funds had not resulted in better service.

Jeff Davis from Tetra Tech responded, explaining the complexities of the travel plan and the bus service issues which could be summarised as follows

1. The plan was commissioned by developers to support the planning application. A travel plan coordinator from Hampshire County Council was appointed last year to produce the successor to the framework travel plan, expected by September 2024.
2. National issues, including COVID-19, delayed the bus service's start, leading to low take up. Efforts to tender a more attractive service had limited success, receiving only one bid from First Bus. The service was recommissioned for another year to evaluate its viability.
3. Despite attempts to improve the service, low passenger numbers and viability concerns persist, however the service would be reviewed again.

Other members of the Forum provided further input to the issue, including the following:

1. Concerns were raised about the new timetable no longer including the train station.
2. Suggestions were made to explore a bus service between Botley and Park Gate, which could meet demand for travel to the GP surgery, schools, and the train station.
3. It was emphasized the need for better connectivity and more proactive measures to integrate bus routes with existing transport and services, such as the Solent Transport travel app.
4. Better connectivity between Botley and Whiteley, highlighting the area's potential benefits and the necessity for joined-up transport solutions to reduce car journeys and support Hampshire's active travel initiatives.
5. A request for detailed information on the current bus service routes and schedules to ensure alignment with school times and to gather resident feedback for potential improvements.