Give us your views on the interim bus policy priorities

Feedback updated 28 May 2024

We asked

From 29 September to 12 November 2023 we sought feedback on the three priorities we had identified for an interim bus policy and if they would be supported.

The needs of our communities to access employment, education, healthcare, retail and leisure is recognised and this mobility can be achieved through the provision of high quality, efficient and reliable public transport. The policies were:

Priority 1: The Council will encourage the commercial operation of local public transport services, through partnership working and infrastructure investment.
Priority 2: Where there are unmet needs and gaps in the commercial bus network provision, the Council will seek solutions through supported local bus services or community transport initiatives, where funding is available and it is consistent with Council policies and priorities.
Priority 3: The Council will fund and administer concessionary travel for elderly and disabled residents in line with national regulations.

You said

There were at total of 734 responses. 527 of these completed the survey fully, 207 partially completed the survey and did not respond to all of the questions.

A review of the 527 fully completed survey responses gave the following results

Priority 1: The Council will encourage the commercial operation of local public transport services, through partnership working and infrastructure investment. 82 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.
Priority 2: Where there are unmet needs and gaps in the commercial bus network provision, the Council will seek solutions through supported local bus services or community transport initiatives, where funding is available and it is consistent with Council policies and priorities. 77 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.
Priority 3: The Council will fund & administer concessionary travel for elderly & disabled residents in line with national regulations. 72 per cent of respondents agreed with this priority.

Respondents were also asked if they wished to provide further comments on the priorities or on the bus service generally. This provided some useful feedback, the following themes were identified (in no particular order):

Improvements needed to rural services including villages around Brackley, Towcester and Daventry,
Maintaining and Improvements needed to existing services (frequency, hours of operation etc.),
An urban service to connect West Hunsbury to Northampton needed,
Improved connectivity for villages close to the boundary with Milton Keynes (Deanshanger and Potterspury),
Positive feedback on Ability Community Transport.

We did

The consultation results and feedback will be discussed at the Enhanced Partnership (bus) meeting in January 2024 to determine potential options. The Enhanced Partnership is a forum between key stakeholders and local bus companies. The forum works collaboratively to look at the best investment choices for local bus services in West Northamptonshire. Further details can be found on the West Northamptonshire Council website.

Overview

We are developing a new interim bus policy, and we would like your view on the priorities we have identified.

The feedback we receive from this will help us to shape the interim bus policy and feed into the development of a future Local Transport Plan.

Background

West Northamptonshire Council supports several local bus services, works with community transport operators to enable connectivity in rural areas, and supports the Concessionary Scheme that provides free travel for eligible residents.

A short-term local bus policy is being developed as part of a review of current provision. An interim bus policy will enable the Council to maintain support for local bus services and the communities they serve until a new Local Transport Plan is developed and adopted around late 2024, early 2025.

Further information

Buses are the most used form of public transport in England, meeting the needs of old and young, rural and urban communities, and help to support the prosperity of towns and cities. Unfortunately, many bus services have noticed a decline in customers, as well as increased running costs, particularly since the Covid pandemic.

In response to a request from the Department of Transport, we have reviewed the local bus network and how we can best support it to provide key local links. Most local bus services are operated on a commercial basis with the council having little control over them. A small number of services are contracted by the council, but the funding for this is limited. The new bus policy will guide decisions on how we spend this funding to best meet residents and visitors travel needs.

The journey is just starting in West Northamptonshire, with new government funding and staff resources becoming available, and a partnership between the council and local bus operators established to both protect and enhance existing local bus networks, as well as encouraging a step change in provision.

Because most local bus services within West Northamptonshire are operated on a commercial basis without direct financial support, a partnership is essential to bring key stakeholders and our community together, bringing the best outcomes to bus providers and the customers they serve.

What are we consulting on?

We would like views on the three priorities we have identified for the interim bus policy and would like to know if they would be supported. We would also like to hear if you have any other thoughts about local bus services.

We are seeking this feedback from anyone that uses or has an interest about this service, residents, and providers of local transport.

How to provide your views

You can give us your feedback using the link below.

The survey should only take a few minutes to complete.

If you have any queries, comments or would like a copy of the questionnaire in another format can contact us by contacting BusAndRail.NCC@westnorthants.gov.uk

Alternatively you can download and print a copy of the survey - Downloadable copy

This consultation closes at midnight Sunday 12 November 2023.

What happens next?

Your feedback will be part of a report with other people’s feedback, you will not be personally identified.

All responses will be considered and will help to shape decisions by the council on the development of the interim bus policy which will be in place until a Local Transport Plan is developed and adopted.

The findings of the consultation will be published and presented to Council in early 2024.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please see the consultation and engagement privacy notice.

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