Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/139

Contact: Dave Harrison, Public Transport Team Leader,

Dave.harrison@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director: Environment & Place (CA8)

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a)            approve adoption of the updated Oxfordshire BSIP

(b)            delegate authority for sign off on future updates of the Oxfordshire BSIP to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report presenting an updated Oxfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The updated BSP outlined the vision, aims and proposals for improving bus services in Oxfordshire from 2025 to 2030. It was a requirement for receiving the final instalment of BSIP funding from the Department for Transport and it was produced in collaboration with bus operators and stakeholders.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, presented the report.  He emphasised the extensive level of bus service provision in Oxfordshire compared to other areas of the country and the work that had taken place in partnership with stakeholders which had resulted in the ambitious plan before members.

During discussion, the following points were made:-

·       The report had not addressed the “dwell” time at bus stops caused by ticketing issues and the fact there was only one point of entry and exit on the County’s buses

·       The need to encourage independent and state schools to uses buses to reduce car journeys

·       The start time for concessionary bus passes should be reviewed

·       The potential for tickets to be transferrable between bus operators and for connectivity with train services should be explored

·       The needs of cyclists needed to be considered

·       Aggregation of ticket fares should be investigated

Councillor Gant moved and Councillor Sudbury seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to

(i)       approve adoption of the updated Oxfordshire BSIP

(ii)      delegate authority for sign off on future updates of the Oxfordshire BSIP to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management.