Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Director of Transportation and Highways

The Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3), considered a briefing note which provided an update on the future of several dedicated school bus services following a discussion at its meeting on 12^th October 2022.

The Board had noted during its meeting in October 2022 that there were a number of dedicated school bus services operating across the city, with 8 specific routes identified at risk of being withdrawn in the future.  These routes were divided into two groups:

(a)  Routes 53, 54 and 55 serving West Coventry Academy – these routes being operated by National Express on a commercial basis.  National Express had indicated that they were considering withdrawing these services as part of a wider review of the bus network.

(b)  Routes S40, S46, S48, S49 and S50 serving Bishop Ullathorne School.  These routes were being funded by the Council but, at the time of the October meeting, no funding had been allocated beyond the 2022/23 academic year for the continuation of these services.

It was noted that, as part of the budget setting process for 2023/24, a request had been made to fund the S40, S46, S48, S49 and S50 services over the next financial year.

It was acknowledged that the majority of the bus network within Coventry, including most dedicated bus services, operated on a commercial basis.  Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has overall statutory responsibility for the city’s bus network and works closely with bus operators.  In addition, TfWM directly funded some services where these were socially important but would not be commercially viable.

Bus travel had fallen significantly following the Covid-19 pandemic, with passenger numbers at around 87% of pre-Covid levels.  In addition to the lower passenger numbers, bus operators were also experiencing rising costs, particularly with fuel, and driver shortages.  The driver shortage was an industry wide issue which had caused a significantly worse reliability of service.  TfWM have been working with operators to carry out a review of the bus network.

As part of the bus network review, National Express had initially indicated that they intended to withdraw a total of 15 dedicated school bus services across the West Midlands.  These were previously operated on a commercial basis, without any funding from either TfWM or any individual local authorities.  This included the 3 routes identified in (a) above.  Both TfWM and the Council expressed concern about the potential withdrawal of these services on the grounds set out in the briefing note.  Following further discussions with TfWM and National Express, these routes are to be retained and therefore the network review would not now directly affect any dedicated school routes in Coventry.

The briefing note indicated that  during the 2020/21 academic year, the Council had stepped in to support a number of services, including those identified in (b) above, when the previous operator, Travel De Courcey, entered administration.  Initially, 14 routes, serving 6 schools were affected.  In the first year, the Council was able to access a grant from the Department for Transport to fund the continuation of all 14 services.  However, this funding was no long available and over subsequent years, the Council has directly funding the highest priority routes, while providing advice on alternative travel options to students where services have had to be withdrawn.

During the current academic year, the Council has continued to fund a total of 5 dedicated school bus routes, all serving Bishop Ullathorne school.  In addition, the Council also pays a small fee to National Express to extend service 14, which is in general use, to cover Blue Coat Church of England School.  The total costs for these services during the full academic year is £327,375.  However this would be partly offset by the income received from parents who are required to buy a specific pass to use any of the dedicated services, forecast to be £101,196. 

As part of the Council’s budget setting process for 2023/24, £220,000 had been allocated for the support of school bus services.  Subject to final approval of the budget, the risk to these 5 services would be mitigated.  Council Officers were continuing to work with colleagues at TfWM and staff at Bishop Ullathorne school to make plans and to secure operators to continue to provide current or similar services for the 2023/24 academic year.

In considering the briefing note, the Board raised comments, asked questions and received responses on the matters summarised below:

·  As a result of the adjustments made by National Express, the bus route to West Coventry Academy no longer served Mount Nod and Eastern Green.

·  Whether the Council has any influence with National Express in relation to routes.

·  Whether long term assessments were being made in order to keep the routes.

·  Recommendation that when issues relating to buses are considered by the Board, that representatives of National Express be invited to attend the meeting.

·  Concern of the impact of year on year budget proposals and the need for a longer term budget setting.

·  Whether there are opportunities for funding assistance and / or alternative options through partnership working with schools, faith organisations, transport providers and other key partners.

RESOLVED that:

1.  The content of the briefing note and the expected continuation of the 8 services previously considered at risk of withdrawal be noted.

2.  A briefing note to be submitted to the relevant Cabinet Member recommending a longer term sustainable solution to continuing the school bus service in partnership with schools, faith organisations, transport providers and other key partners to deliver school bus provision.