Issue - meetings

To receive an overview of Blackpool Transport Services from Jane Cole, Managing Director.

Mrs Jane Cole, Managing Director, Blackpool Transport Services provided an overview of the work of the Company to the Advisory Board. She highlighted that the Company had a fleet of approximately 150 buses, 18 trams and 40 heritage trams. It was reported that the transformation plan had been implemented efficiently and that the five year business plan was therefore being renewed for 2018-2023. The new business plan would drive a wide range of ambitions including a potential park and ride scheme and the forthcoming Disability Conference.

The Advisory Board discussed the current bus depot located at Rigby Road and it was noted that an ambition to move to new premises was also included in the proposal for the business plan. Members discussed the options available to Blackpool Transport Services and noted that the heritage tram base would not be moved from the Rigby Road site at this stage. It was important that the bus depot was future proof and capable of supporting new technology such as electric buses.

In response to questions, Mr James Carney, Finance and Commercial Director, Blackpool Transport Services (BTS) advised that the cost of implementing electronic signage at bus stops was prohibitive and that the new app produced by BTS was well used and provided real time bus timetable information and mapping. Mrs Cole added that the bus shelters along the number three and four bus routes would be upgraded as part of a trial scheme to provide bolder and brighter timetabling information and improved shelter. The aim of the improvements was to reduce levels of vandalism and provide a better service for the community and if successful the scheme would be extended to additional bus routes.

Ms Kate Aldridge, Head of Delivery and Performance, Blackpool Council presented a draft list of performance indicators for use by the Shareholder’s Advisory Board when monitoring the performance of BTS. Mrs Cole highlighted that BTS would be introducing bus stop surveys in the next few months in order to achieve a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction. It was noted that some data was provided annually and would be considered on that basis by the Advisory Board.

(The press and public were excluded prior to consideration of the remainder of the item.)

The Advisory Board agreed:

1.      To receive a more detailed report on the budget of Blackpool Transport Services and the impact of the budget on the Shareholder at a future meeting.

2.      To receive the data relating to the performance indicators identified at a future meeting of the Advisory Board.