Issue - meetings

The Forum discussed the submitted update in relation to a request that future service level agreements include a provision requiring the contractor to respond to queries from the council within a set period. The Chair noted that the issue had appeared to be resolved but as point of principle asked that a provision be included in future contracts.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

In the absence of Willie Lynch the Governance Officer read out his submitted question asking if there are a number of West Coast Motors vehicles which do not comply with the Disability Act and some EU Regulations and therefore disabled people, people with limited movement and mothers with prams are unable to travel then when will West Coast have all vehicles compliant?

Councillor Good confirmed that as he understood it all coaches were compliant but it may be that a low floor access bus was required to take account of the types of user on the service.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    agreed to ask Martin Arnold to look at the possibility of a low floor bus being used in any new contract for bus services; and

2.    agreed to instruct Officers to look provision within contracts for a service level agreement to the contractor requiring responses to queries from council within 1 month.

Murray Rogers, West Coast Motors, submitted a written update setting out that the Council produced timetable for Service 489 is designed to meet with the passenger ferry at present. With a 20-min frequency on the Hunters Quay Ferry he indicated that it shouldn't prove too difficult for bus passengers and that the main prominence will always be with the Dunoon Ferry.

Murray suggested that the main issue with the service is reliability which may be the result  of any observed issues and we are currently in dialogue with Martin Arnold to seek a solution. 

Willie Lynch, Dunoon Community Council, commented that in his experience he often observed the bus leaving just as the ferry was coming in.  This caused issues as although the ferry is every 20 minutes, the bus service is every hour and did not necessarily join up.  He asked that the Forum raise this point with West Coast Motors.

Discussion also took place regarding the Cowal Games Saturday night bus to Strachur with Archie Reid, Strachur Community Council, reporting that the community have been advised that there will be a £270 hire charge made when the service has been provided for 12 years with no charge.  He did not consider this was appropriate when it would only add 9 miles onto the route.

Outcome

The Forum agreed:

1.    To invite Murray Rogers to respond to the point raised regarding the service bus departing when the ferry is approaching Hunter’s Quay; and

2.    To contact West Coast Motors regarding the Cowal Games Saturday last bus service to Strachur, inviting them to continue to provide the service with the local community continuing to advertise locally.

(Ref:  Updated by Murray Rogers, West Coast Motors, submitted)

Cathleen Russell, Colglen Community Council, reported that there was disconnect between ferry and bus timetables which negatively impact on people travel plans should one of the services fail.

Willie Lynch, Dunoon Community Council, shared Mrs Russell’s concerns and stated that he had had direct experience of limited public transport integration.

Gordon Ross acknowledged the frustration of the Forum, stating that he would forward suggestions from the Forum regarding the integration of the Western Ferry timetable and would discuss options with McGill's Buses.

Outcomes

1.         Caledonian MacBrayne agreed to share contact details of the Integrated Transport Officer and would consider any suggestions made for changes to the timetable to improve transport integration.

The Chair to contact West Coast Motors to enquire what, if any, consideration had been given to the integration of the 489 service with ferry services.