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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Room 116, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham B19 3SD

Contact: Wendy Slater, Senior Governance Services Officer 

Items
No. Item

1.

To agree a Chair for this meeting

Minutes:

Councillor Davis proposed that Councillor Hartley be agreed as the Chair for the meeting. This was endorsed by the committee.

 

Councillor Hartley in the Chair

2.

Apologies for absence

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alden, Fazal and Welsh.

3.

Chair's Remarks

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed new members, Councillors Allcock, Ditta, Hibbert, Jones and Rowley to their first committee meeting. The Chair added that she envisaged the committee would play a valuable role in advising and influencing the delivery of transport projects during the course of the year

 

The Chair reported that Councillor Lawrence would be proposing the names of the TDC Chair (Councillor Hartley) and Vice-Chair (Councillor Horton) to the WMCA Board on 20 July 2018.

4.

Minutes of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 165 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2018 were agreed as a correct record.

5.

Matter Arising

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

(i)                 Matters Arising (Minute no.144 (ii) refers)

In relation to Councillor Lal’s enquiry regarding an update on an area bus ticket for Birmingham, the Head of Network Delivery, Jon Hayes, reported that this was an option for National Express West Midlands to consider. However, the company had indicated that travel patterns in Birmingham are different to those in other areas and it was unlikely that they would offer an area ticket.

               

(ii)                Matters Arising (Minute no. 146 (iv) refers)

In relation to Bus Rationalisation Next Steps and a request from Councillor Huxtable for an update on the review of the Pershore Road, the Head of Network Delivery, reported that this work was still in its early stages and undertook to provide feedback following completion of the work.

 

(iii)               Clarification of National Express West Midlands’ consultation process on network reviews (Minute no.155 refers) 

In relation to further discussion by the committee on this item at a pre-TDC policy briefing session, the Chair proposed that the matter be discussed on the morning of 10 September.

 

(iv)           West Midlands Stations Alliance Update (Minute no, 162 refers)

Councillor Davis asked to be provided with the names of the Network Rail Officers who are involved with the West Midlands Stations Alliance as indicated by the Strategic Lead, Rail Policy Manager at the last meeting.

 

(v)            Park and Ride Update (Minute no.163 refers)

In relation to an enquiry from the Chair regarding which  Lead Member Reference Group park and ride would report into, the Director of Integrated Network Services considered that park and ride would report into the Rail and Metro Lead Member Reference Group and also Putting Passengers First but less frequently. Councillor Horton, Lead Member for Rail and Metro added that a joint meeting could be called if required which would save officer time. Councillor Huxtable considered that if park and ride relates to Sprint, the Sprint Lead Member Reference Group should also be involved.

 

Councillor Stanley asked to be kept informed with regards to any updates relating to park and ride for Coseley Rail Station.

 

6.

Correspondence/ Petitions

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The Chair submitted a petition on behalf of Councillor Fazal from residents of Springfield Road, Birmingham seeking the re-instatement of bus service number 5.

7.

To note the schedule of meetings for 2018/19

·       10 September 2018

·       5 November 2018

·       7 January 2019

·       4 February 2019

·       4 March 2019

·       20 May 2019

·       24 June 2019

 

All meetings scheduled from 1.00pm -3.00pm

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The committee noted the schedule of meetings for 2018/19

·       10 September 2018 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       5 November 2018 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       7 January 2019 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       4 February 2019 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       4 March 2019 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       20 May 2019 (1.00-3.00pm)

·       24 June 2019 (1.00-3.00pm)

 

 

8.

Appointments 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Head of Governance, seeking approval of the appointment of Lead Members and members to sit on other bodies for 2018/19.

 

Resolved:

 

1.           That the following Lead Member positions for 2018/19 be agreed :

·       Air Quality, Congestion and Environmental Impact – Councillor Davis

·       Finance and Performance – Councillor Akhtar

·       Putting Passengers First – Councillor Hartley

·       Rail and Metro – Councillor Horton

·       Safe and Sustainable Travel – Councillor Holl-Allen

·       Sprint – Councillor Huxtable.

  

2.          That the following nominations to the named outside bodies for  

           2018/19 be agreed:

·       West Midlands Bus Alliance Board – Councillor Hartley (Lab)

substitute for the WMCA Transport Portfolio; Councillor Horton (Lab) substitute for the TDC Chair and Councillor Huxtable (Con) substitute for the West Midlands Mayor

·       West Midlands Special Needs Transport Management Committee – Councillor Hartley (Lab), Councillor Ditta (Lab) and Councillor Stanley (Con)

·       West Coast 250 Campaign – Councillor Horton

9.

Wolverhampton Advanced Quality Partnership Scheme - approval to make the scheme pdf icon PDF 702 KB

Presented By: Edmund Salt

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Network Development Manager that sought approval to make the Wolverhampton City Centre Advanced Quality

Partnership Scheme (AQPS) following the period of formal consultation.

 

The Network Development Manager, Edmund Salt, outlined the key aspects of the report and advised the committee of minor changes following the report’s circulation and consultation which related to the bus number of stops and future proofing the slot booking system.  

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Huxtable regarding the intended area of the next Advanced Quality Partnership Scheme, the Network Development Manager reported that discussions are on-going with Dudley and Walsall councils and consideration is also being given to Coventry.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Akhtar regarding how successful the Advanced Quality Partnership Schemes in Birmingham and Solihull are, the Network Development Manager reported that an AQPS protects investment in the infrastructure which has been the case with Solihull and has also led to improved levels of passenger satisfaction in those areas where a scheme is operating.

 

Councillor Horton noted that Sandwell was not being considered for an Advanced Quality Partnership Scheme and reported on the need for better services in Sandwell.

 

The Head of Network Delivery, Jon Hayes, reported that the Advanced Quality Partnership Scheme was not a tool that could prevent changes being made to the bus network. He added that Advanced Quality Partnership Schemes focus on protecting infrastructure investment in the area from local authorities. He advised that TfWM does seek to understand service changes that are being made and where Advanced Quality Partnership Schemes need to be implemented.

 

In relation to an enquiry from Councillor Hibbert as to whether an equalities impact assessment has been undertaken with regards to women as she noted that mums have difficulty getting buggies on buses and whether the consultation was undertaken with service users, the Head of Network Development advised that it is a requirement of all bus operators that their vehicles have low-floor access and with regards to consultation advised that a statutory consultation undertaken for the AQPS was not required to be a public consultation but it was publicised to stakeholders, bus operators, campaign groups and the public via TfWM social media channels. He added that passenger surveys are undertaken regularly to capture the views of bus users and would be for the AQPS.

 

Resolved: That the making of the Wolverhampton City Centre Advanced Quality Partnership Scheme, jointly with the City of Wolverhampton Council by 20 August 2018 be approved.

10.

Presentation : Dudley Interchange

Presented By: Andy Thrupp

Minutes:

The committee received a presentation from the Operations Manager (Customer Facilities), Andy Thrupp on the Dudley Interchange Project. The presentation outlined the background to the Dudley Bus Station site, the aim of achieving a world class multi-modal facility that works with the town centre re-development, supports growth and accessibility and the next steps.

 

Councillor Linnecor reported that he welcomed the green roof of the bus station and was pleased to see the area around the interchange would be landscaped with trees which was good for the environment.

 

In relation to safety concerns expressed by Councillors Jones and Stanley regarding the requirement for bus drivers to reverse out of the bus station, the Operations Manager (Customer Facilities) reported that the design of the bus station has been supported by bus drivers and the planning department of Dudley MBC who were involved in the design. He added that visibility around the site was as good as it should be for drivers and pedestrians and attention would be given to improving accessibility into the site.

 

The Chair advised that a visit to Dudley Interchange would be arranged for members in the autumn and thanked Andy Thrupp for his informative presentation.

 

Resolved: That the presentation be noted.

11.

Financial Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 163 KB

Presented By: Linda Horne

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Director of Finance that set out the financial position as at 31 May 2018 related to the Combined Authority’s Transport Delivery Revenue and Capital Budgets.

 

The Lead Accountant-Transport, Wayne Farrington, outlined the key highlights in the report.

 

In relation to the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension where slippage is due to the completion of the survey and site investigation works, Councillor Stanley noted that that the Parkhead Viaduct had caused problems over the years and enquired as to the current status of the viaduct and whether this would require additional work for the scheme.

 

The Lead Accountant-Transport, undertook to investigate the matter with colleagues and for a response to be sent to Councillor Stanley.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the year to date net revenue expenditure outturn for 2018/19 shows a favourable variance of £136,000 compared to budget and there is no change in the full year to date position be noted;

 

2.     That the total capital expenditure to the end of May 2018 for the overall transport programme is £10.3 million within the year to date budget be noted;

 

3.     That the treasury indicators are within the expected range and there are no issues to highlight be noted.

 

 

12.

Capital Programme Delivery Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 184 KB

Presented By: Sandeep Shingadia

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Director of Development and Delivery that provided a progress monitoring update on the approved TfWM lead 2018/19 programme and projects.

 

The Projects Delivery Manager, Alison Peckmore, outlined the key achievements since the last report was submitted.

 

Councillor Davis commented that he appreciated there would be slippage in some big projects but would like to know whether targets are being hit or, whether assurances could be given that schemes are on target for the Commonwealth Games 

 

Councillor Lal noted that Perry Barr Station status was given as amber/red which was concerning given the scheme was scheduled for delivery in time for the Commonwealth Games.

 

The Projects Delivery Manager reported that a two phased approach would be undertaken for the delivery of Perry Barr Station, that is, pre and post Commonwealth Games.

 

Councillor Huxtable expressed concern regarding the pre and post Commonwealth Games split and considered the forecast dates included in the executive summary did not make sense. He added that no mention was made of the connection to Sprint from Walsall to Birmingham, noting the tight timescales for delivery.

 

The Projects Delivery Manager confirmed that Sprint was included in the project for Perry Barr.

 

Councillor Huxtable considered that Sprint should be included in the executive summary of future reports.

 

The Director of Integrated Network Services reported that a supplementary note that provides more information on Perry Barr schemes could be added to the report in the future.

 

In relation to Bradley Lane Park and Ride Project, Councillor Andrew asked to be provided with information on the award of the contract and to be kept updated on the project’s progress.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the achievements since the May 2018 meeting of the committee be noted ;

2.     That progress of deliverables under 2018/19 Capital Programme be noted and

3.     That there are no variations to the baseline programme in this reporting period be noted.

 

 

13.

Date of Next Meeting -10 September 2018

14.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

The committee considered a report on agenda items to be submitted to future meetings.

 

In relation to items for future meetings, Councillor Huxtable considered that a Commonwealth Games update should be a regular item and also asked for updates to be given on the Stations Alliance and Park and Ride proposals.

 

The Director of Integrated Network Services reported that Commonwealth Games Update reports were included on the forward plan for the September and March meetings but could also be reported as part of the regular Capital Programme Delivery Monitoring Report as proposed earlier in the meeting.

 

Resolved: That the report be noted.

15.

Exclusion of the public and press

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the business affairs of any particular person (Including the authority holding that information).

 

Presented By: Chair

Minutes:

Resolved: That in accordance with Section 1004A of the Local Government Act, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

16.

Bus Operator Recharging Proposal

Presented By: Edmund Salt

Minutes:

The committee considered a report of the Director of Integrated Network Services that sought approval for a proposal to provide a one year holiday period to bus operators within the region for bus departure charges and roadside information recharging, in return for investment that supports the objectives of the West Midlands Bus Alliance and the WMCA.

 

The Director of Integrated Network Services, Pete Bond, outlined the background to the report and the Bus Alliance proposal.

 

In relation to enquiries from the committee regarding the financial implications of the scheme, the Director of Integrated Network Services reported that the proposal was affordable and was within budget; this was confirmed by the Lead Accountant –Transport.

 

Councillor Huxtable reported that he welcomed the report and this innovative scheme and he looked forward to similar approaches being undertaken in the future.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the overall investment the proposal brings to the West Midlands Bus Alliance, in particular for accelerated investment in improvements to bus emission standards be noted ;

 

2.     That the proposal to commit funding as detailed within the report to provide bus operators with a bus station departure charge and roadside information charge holiday for a period of 12 month commencing 1 October 2018 up to and including the 30 September 2019 be supported;

 

3.     That following the commencement date of 1 October 2018 that bus operators not be charged for a period of one year, with a potential for a second year if financial savings allow be agreed;

 

4.     That the additional commitments to the West Midlands Bus Alliance generated by this agreement, including ticket machine investment, network stability protocol, a significant change in the provision of data sharing and in the case of National Express West Midlands to retain their travel shops until at least April 2019 be noted;

 

5.     That a significant improvement in air quality in the region associated with the regional bus fleet that enables the region and its Bus Alliance to deliver improvements above the current targets levels by 2020 as a result of the agreement be noted and

 

6.     That as a holiday from recharging this is not a change in policy and during the holiday period, operators granted exemption from payment in return for a level of investment for additional measures to assist the West Midlands Bus Alliance exceed its deliverables and set new targets be noted.