Issue - meetings

Alison Marland, Principal Planning Officer to present the report.

Alison Marland, Principal Planning officer updated the Task Group with the progress of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority consultation for proposed franchising scheme in light of the Covid-19’s impact as part of the ambition for their integrated transport system.

75% of public transport journeys were by bus and 1 in 3 households in Greater Manchester did not have access to a personal car. Areas targeted were less affluent and communities with a greater number of vulnerable residents.

In Greater Manchester there were over 150 types of ticket, with various bus companies deciding what routes were commercially viable. Customer standards varied and it was difficult for a network to be planned. Franchising would bring everything under control of the Combined Authority.

There are three phases and areas identified for improved infrastructure. Despite the significant impact of Covid-19 plans to franchise were continuing as it would be beneficial to the economy, health and wellbeing of residents, the environment, and had the potential to embrace flexible working post Covid-19 recovery.

It had been acknowledged that prior to Covid-19, there was a decline in bus use and bus services, franchising would place the financial responsibilities on the public sector, and difficult choices would have to be made to improve facilities.

Implications for Chorley

There were bus routes that crossed the boundary from Greater Manchester into Chorley which would be part of the franchising scheme, and buses that strayed out of Greater Manchester would be run with the cooperation of the neighboring authority.

Chorley provided a response supporting Greater Manchester’s Franchising action in 2020 and have reiterated a similar response to demonstrate our belief in the importance of and use of sustainable modes of public transport. An improved network for public transport would result in fewer car journey, reducing the impact on climate change.

Cllr Laura Lennox left at 19:24

Attempts were made to invite Greater Manchester Combined Authority to address members, but the invitation was declined.

In response to a question, Alison said she would explore further into the elements of funding for the Franchising considering the decreased use of public transport due to Covid-19 which was expected to remain present in 2021. Although noted that the process of franchising would not be immediate and would take three to four years to come to fruition.

Cllr June Molyneaux left 19:26

Cllr Julia Berry believed that collaboration with a franchised Greater Manchester Combined Authority would be beneficial for Chorley and felt that the planning and transparency had been positive and was optimistic about the opportunities to share good practice with the Greater Lancashire Transport Plan, and believed that engaging with other authorities should continue.

Decision: The report was noted.