Decision details

Tony Moreton, Assistant Director Sustainable Transport, Lancashire County Council presented a report (circulated) which provided an updated on Public Transport Issues and Opportunities.

Further to previous updates reported to the Committee it was highlighted that following consultation with stakeholders held over the summer of 2014, in December 2014, the County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport approved an amended set of criteria for assessing subsidised bus services.  The criteria were circulated to Committee Members with the report.  This approach is available for other local transport authorities to consider following, either individually or within the context of more formal joint working such as an integrated transport authority (ITA) or combined authority.

It was further reported that there are a number of options available where enhanced joint working between local transport authorities could assist with delivering better public transport services; these were set out in the previous report to Members.  The Coalition Government's preferred approach to authorities seeking greater devolution of transport powers and funding is the combined authority model.  However, given the impending General Election, it is not possible to foresee what the situation will be post 7^th May 2015.  Further consideration will therefore need to take place within the wider context of any incoming Government's devolution agenda.

Resolved:  The Committee noted the Public Transport Issues and Opportunities update as presented.