Cheshire East is among the top 10 lowest municipal areas for bus drivers, and the council is looking for ways to improve that, writes Belinda Ryan.
The number was revealed this week at a meeting of the Motorway and Transport Committee as city councils discussed the National Bus Strategy (NBS).
The strategy aims to address challenges faced by local bus networks, as well as a number of commitments for local transport authorities to develop enhanced partnerships [with commercial providers] and draw up plans to improve bus traffic.
Richard Hibbert, chief of the Council for Strategic Transportation and Parking, said the county has few bus drivers and “an average Cheshire East resident makes 13 bus trips a year.”
“This makes us one of the ten lowest local authorities in the country in terms of bus driver count,” he added.
“So if we have a positive view, there is a lot to build around these numbers.
“We want to create a plan that will be supported by this committee, all stakeholders in the bus sector, especially passenger groups.
“But it will also need support from the commercial bus industry, and that will be a difficult circle.”
Cllr Don Stockton said private operators would always examine the commercially viable routes that are urban.
“Our difficulty is that we have a lot of rural areas in Cheshire East and there is a significant shortage of people using these services,” said the conservative city council.
“While I totally support the fact that we should all use buses more often … I would like to see this council give priority to the rural parts, whereby you actually offer a service to those who really need it.”
Andrew Ross, Director of Highways and Infrastructure, replied, “The government is investing in rural mobility and the council was recently successful in applying for rural mobility funding to support a new initiative for bus service in a rural area and that’s in development. “Now, and I see future investments if that should be successful.”
Committee vice-chair Laura Crane (Sandbach Ettiley Heath and Wheelock, Lab) suggested that high bus fares discourage some people from using public transport.
“[That] the big frustration here is that we don’t have the opportunity to negotiate the price because you won’t be choosing a bus if it costs you more than £ 10 to get to the next town. For once, you won’t do that, ”said Cllr Crane.
“If you need to have a car to get anywhere else, you get in the car and go to this town.
“I really hope we can negotiate the price in a future iteration because I think that’s how we’ll convince people that it’s an option to work with.”
Cllr Phil Williams (Alsager, Lib Dem) said the committee should identify some key priority areas such as hospitals and other services.
Council members agreed to recommendations to reaffirm commitment to strengthened partnership for local buses; Approve the development of a plan to improve bus transport in consultation with bus companies, passenger groups and other stakeholders from across the district; and to set up a membership committee.
