Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed representatives from Stagecoach and Plymouth Citybus and thanked them for the public services provided throughout the pandemic.

Stagecoach

Michael Watson – Managing Director of Stagecoach apologised for the impact experienced by residents and users of Stagecoach.

M Watson briefed Members on the issues the public transport sector had experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included staff shortages, absences and short notice of Government restrictions requiring to be implemented immediately.

M Watson went on to speak of the continuing challenges faced by the service provider post pandemic and the difficulties trying to maintain an acceptable level of service to residents throughout the pandemic.

M Watson offered explanations for Members further understanding of the challenges faced. One example would be that it takes only a day to lose an experienced driver and a minimum of 15 weeks to replace with a trained and qualified driver.

M Watson offered reassurance to Members and Residents that the situation is taking a turn for the better with an 18% wage increase implemented to assist with recruitment and retainment of staff. Residents should now see an increase in the frequency of the services provided by Stagecoach with the plan to reinstate services such as the Falcon, all being well, by January 2022.

Plymouth Citybus

Richard Stevens – Managing Director spoke of their appreciation to Members for the invitation and opportunity to speak in person at Full Council.

R Stevens said he did not have much more to add to the explanation given by Stagecoach. R Stevens stated that although Plymouth Citybus had not experienced staffing issues to the extent of Stagecoach, there had been other issues the service provider had faced during the pandemic and post pandemic period.

These included delays due to the Tamar Bridge resurfacing as well as the increase of traffic due to those returning to work. With varying dictates from central Government with short notice to implement, the services provided took an impact nobody was able to predict.

R Stevens added that external services, such as training and test centers for newly recruited drivers, have also been affected by the pandemic. This has contributed to delays in obtaining provisional licenses therefore having a knock-on effect not only on available drivers but also the morale of employees during an already difficult period.

R Stevens spoke of the Transport for Cornwall partnership between service providers and Cornwall Council with the aim to provide better services for the whole of Cornwall. With a service level promise that Plymouth Citybus and Cornwall Council can continue to progress further following the lifting of restrictions.

R Stevens added that further challenges are to be expected in the coming months following the COP26 meeting. This includes lowering carbon emissions whilst maintaining a service level at an affordable rate and continuing to offer better connectivity for health, wealth and education services.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for their time to further explain the current situation for both service providers.

Members of the public who had submitted questions prior to meeting were then permitted to speak.

To view the public questions received please refer to Appendix 1 attached to the minutes.

Cornwall Councillor Frank spoke of the Transport for Cornwall collaboration between Cornwall Council and Plymouth Citybus which continues to be a strengthened partnership to offer better connectivity for Cornwall.

Members asked if there was one mobile application for both Stagecoach Services and Plymouth City Bus Services.

Plymouth Citybus responded that the Go Cornwall mobile application provides all public transport options on one platform. Plymouth Citybus informed Members of the printed timetables with all bus services from all organisation’s which would be available as of 12^th November 2021. Cllr G Challen asked if  copies could be made available for the Guildhall and Library for the residents of Saltash and those that visit the town.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance.