The purpose of the paper is to seek approval,
from the Council Cabinet, of the Bus Service Improvement Plan
(BSIP) for the Isle of Wight.
The BSIP has been produced in response to the national bus strategy
“Bus Back Better” issued by the Government in March
2021. The focus of the National Strategy is on local bus services
being improved in order to grow the number of passengers and to
help the sector to recover from the impact of reduced travel during
the pandemic.
The strategy promises future increases in funding for bus measures,
subject to the outcome of the next Government Comprehensive
Spending Review. This funding is conditional on Local Transport
Authorities (LTAs) preparing a Bus Service Improvement Plan by the
end of October 2021 (as proposed within the paper) and an Enhanced
Partnership by March 2022, that demonstrate a clear level of
ambition and steps that they propose to take to improve local bus
services within their area that will generate passenger
growth.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Significant impact on communities or those working in two or more electoral divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Electoral Divisions affected: (All Electoral Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/09/2021
Decision due: 14 Oct 2021 by Cabinet
Considered on: 12 Oct 2021 by Corporate Scrutiny Committee
Lead director: Director of Neighbourhoods (re-org 2023)
Contact: Stewart Chandler Email: stewart.chandler@iow.gov.uk.
Consultees
Local Commercial Bus Operator
Neighbouring Transport Authorities
Ongoing engagement will be taken directly with key stakeholders and
with bus users via publicity and surveys.