Issue - meetings

It was noted that there was no representative from West Coast Motors present at the meeting.

The Chair advised that bus services had still not returned to pre-covid levels and that it was causing concerns.  He advised that implementation of the decision to split the Dunoon to Rothesay service into two due to Calmac cancellations was causing issues and added half an hour to the journey time between Dunoon and Portavadie.  He advised that he intended to write to West Coast Motors in this regard.

Councillor Forrest advised that the early morning bus service from Toward to Dunoon pier was not running and this was causing issues as the only other options were to drive or take a taxi as the Pingo service did not run that early. She asked if this could be included in the letter to West Coast Motors.

Kirstie Reid advised that the Inveraray to Cairndow evening service was no longer running and was causing issues for people who used the service when travelling to and from the Beatson on the Glasgow service bus.  She asked if this could be raised as well.

Outcome

The Forum noted that the Chair would write to West Coast Motors highlighting the issues raised.

Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors, advised the Forum that the bus services were still not back to pre-lockdown levels with mileage at 87% and patronage at 60% and that there had been issues in recruiting drivers.

Discussion focussed on the disappointment in the continued lack of Argyll and Bute Council Officer attendance and engagement at the Forum’s meetings in order to address issues raised around reduced bus services and lack of communication with Elected Members around bus service changes.

Outcome

The Forum noted that the position.

Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors, advised the Forum that additional services had been added to the 478 and 489 routes and in terms of mileage they were operating at 87% of pre-covid levels and with the flexibility of the Pingo service this was seeing mileage at approximately 93% whereas patronage was still down by 38%.  Mr McCormick stated that enhanced cleaning of vehicles was continuing to be done by drivers which reduced the hours they were available to drive, this coupled with the nationwide shortage of bus and HGV trainers and the back-log at DVLA in processing licences for trainees, meant there was no option to return to full service levels at present.

The Forum noted that a mid-day service had resumed on the Dunoon to Carrick Castle route (484) on Tuesday and Thursday schooldays and the timetable would be circulated in due course along with the times of connecting services between Rothesay and Dunoon/Portavadie.

Discussion focused on the reasons for the cessation of the bus service to North Campbell Road in Innellan (489) and the issue of parked vehicles along the road.  It was suggested that the Pingo service is available to be booked for this area for bookings between 8.30am and 5.30pm although noted that the 489 bus was already in position anyway and with a small adjustment to timetabling to omit the 15 minute wait, could tie in with the ferry departure.

Outcome

The Forum noted that South Cowal Community Council had offered to work with WCM to alleviate parking concerns by leafleting in the area if the service was reinstated and that Elected Members for the ward had been in contact with the Executive Director regarding consultation on service amendments.

Jeff McCormick, West Coast Motors (WCM), advised the Forum that service levels were currently at 90% pre-covid levels and discussion focussed on getting all services back on as soon as possible whilst looking at alternatives such as Pingo and how WCM are funded through fare revenue and concessionary fares which have severely reduced and how Transport Scotland has guaranteed to assist in plugging the funding gap only until the end of June 2021. The Forum also noted that all vehicles used to service bus routes were Equality Act compliant.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

The Forum noted the letter from Trish McCotter, Bus Policy Officer, Transport Scotland in relation to funding for rural bus services.

Murray Rodger, West Coast Motors stated that they were in close dialogue with the council over service levels which are currently sitting at  80% of pre-covid levels; they employ a one man one bus policy;  passenger levels are below 20% with 1.4 passengers per journey, with many journeys having zero passengers; vehicles capacity levels trackers on buses;   some school journeys remain for key worker’s children and they look forward to a new normal soon noting how peak service patterns are changing from 7am to 10am

Discussion on the importance of ensuring bus timetable at stanchions are up-to-date was had with local councillors agreeing to investigate through Casebook where appropriate.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the letter from Transport Scotland; and

2.    noted the update from West Coast Motors.

Murray Rodger, West Coast Motors stated that whilst working in conjunction with the council they could confirm that additional journeys on routes 480, 482 and 489 have been implemented as of today which took them to 80% normal capacity with updated timetables to be added at bus stops and sent to community councils to put up on notice boards.  The Forum noted that in addition the printed timetables will have QPR codes on them to take people straight to the website for the latest updates.

Concerns were expressed that bus services had still not returned to pre-Covid levels of service. Murray Rogers explained that passenger numbers had not returned to pre-Covid levels and they relied on fare income as well as grants to cover their costs. Although the Scottish Government had provided an increased amount of grant, this was not enough to cover the cost of providing the pre-Covid level of service.

Discussion focused on the additional time and expense required to keep the buses safe and clean in light of covid-19 restrictions and how this time needed to be incorporated into timetables to remain compliant with the safety measures.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the position;

2.    agreed to pass a query from Ronnie McAlister regarding the experience of Stantec in dealing with rural transport issues to Martin Arnold to respond to; and

3.    requested that Martin Arnold distribute updated timetables as soon as possible.