Issue details

This report sets out proposals to provide a replacement subsidised bus service linking Broadwood Drive, Fulwood and Preston City Centre following notification from Rotala Preston Bus of their intention to withdraw their commercial service along Broadwood Drive.

The report summarises three options that are available:

1.  Taking no further action to replace the withdrawn service;

2.  Diverting an existing Lancashire County Council subsidised service, which would not lead to additional cost but would reduce the frequency of services on parts of the current route; or

3.  Provide a new replacement bus service on this route for a period of up to 4 months to allow for a full review of the subsidised local bus services in the area to take place, with an estimated net annual subsidy of £55,000.

This is an Urgent Key Decision.  The requirements of Standing Order No. 27 have been complied with.

The County Council has been unable to meet the requirement to provide 28 days notice of its intention to take this decision as it was only notified of Preston Bus' intention to revise the route and timetable of the commercial service serving the Broadwood drive area of Fulwood week commencing 14 January 2013. 

Following notification by the bus operator that a commercial service is being revised or withdrawn, the County Council undertakes a passenger and revenue analysis to determine the best way forward.  The outcome of this analysis may, or may not result in the County Council being able to augment an existing subsidised service or provide a replacement subsidised service, subject to the cost being met and the proposal representing the most effective use of resources and the best value for money option.  This process accounts for the delay between the County Council being notified of a commercial service revision and establishing the need for a formal decision to approve the introduction of a replacement service.