Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Members: Cabinet Member for Transport – 23 November 2006Statement of DecisionReview of Subsidised Bus Services Lewknor Taxibus (Oxford Tube Connection)Present:
Also in attendance:
Documentation considered:
A copy is attached to the signed copy of this decision. Summary of representations in person Supporting the recommendations Councillor Wilmshurst considered it essential that the service was retained and hoped that if the current proposal for a short term extension to the contract proved successful then something permanent could be introduced. Emphasising the local importance of the taxibus service he considered that any decision regarding its future should not be taken solely on commercial grounds and enquired whether the Oxford Tube operators had been approached to make a contribution towards the service. Councillor Belson endorsed the comments made by Councillor Wilmshurst and referred to the importance of the service to the local community and to the opportunity which now presented itself to improve patronage and secure its long term future. Mr Timberlake reported a further 7 representations received in support of the proposal. In response to Councillor Wilmshurst and Councillor Belson he advised that poor patronage had been a contributory factor in Buckinghamshire County Council’s decision to withdraw funding and that a recent fare reduction experiment, initiated by the operator, had even failed to secure any improvement. He considered that despite the proposal to extend the service to include Chinnor he was not optimistic that this would achieve any improvement in patronage. He confirmed that the Oxford Bus Company had contributed to the production of a leaflet featuring this service but had been opposed to making any direct financial contribution to its operation.
Cabinet Member’s Comments Councillor Robertson asked officers to respond to those individuals who had made representations. Decision Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before me, the representations made to me and the further considerations set out above, I confirm my decisions on this matter as follows:
Signed Cabinet Member for Transport Date
………………………2006
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