Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member-Environment

11 November 2003

Project Appraisal: Gosport Bus Stop Infrastructure Improvements

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 14

Contact: Matthew Callow, ext 6987 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal to provide: improvements to roadside infrastructure along the key bus route in Gosport's Bridgemary estate, at an estimated cost of £100,000, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 Infrastructure improvements will enhance the bus routes between Fareham and Gosport and therefore help to alleviate traffic on the A32. In partnership with bus operator, First, it is intended to offer a high quality, frequent alternative to the private car.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER-ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

_____________________________________________

11 NOVEMBER 2003

_____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

PROJECT:

GOSPORT BUS STOP INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

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COMMENCEMENT DATE:	NOVEMBER 2003
COMPLETION DATE:	MARCH 2004

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2003/04

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7.	Scheme

7.1	Introduction
	The bus route between Fareham and Gosport (see attached location plan) offers one of the highest frequencies and is one of the busiest in the county. It also provides a sustainable link along the heavily congested A32 corridor. The greatest concentration of bus passengers on this route originate from the Bridgemary estate in Gosport, about half way along it's length. New bus stop signs and poles will be installed at all 28 stops, each with a high quality timetable case, which will display increased bus timetable information availability and quality. The new poles and signage will also improve the image and increase awareness of the service. At a number of bus stops raised boarding kerbs will be installed to facilitate easy boarding for people with mobility difficulties, such as the elderly, young families and people with heavy shopping. This will reduce the time taken for bus drivers to approach and pull away from the kerb and therefore improve efficiency of the service. The local bus operator, First, already uses low-floor buses on this route and it anticipated that a Quality Bus Partnership agreement will be developed in due course.
7.2	Details
	This project has been allocated £100,000 from developer contributions (ref PT33A/778) which it is proposed to be spent on: (i) installing bus stop poles, signs and timetable cases. These will be high quality units, incorporating direction of travel text, stop name and route numbers; (ii) replacing expired bus shelters where needed; and (iii) installing new bus boarders at selected sites, to ease boarding and alighting and speed up stop dwell times.
7.3	Standards
	The proposal has been designed to meet national and County Council standards for this type of scheme.
7.4	Statutory Procedures and Consultation
	No statutory procedures are involved.
7.5	Policy Considerations
	The proposals are consistent with the County Council's policies on promoting modal-shift, reducing social exclusion and enhancing the local environment. This scheme will be expected to increase passenger trips in this neighbourhood by at least 1.5% and, combined with other initiatives in this area, will significantly contribute to Public Service Agreement (PSA) target 10, that is to increase bus usage by 4% over the five years from 1999/00.
7.6	Environmental Impacts
	The improvements will enhance the appearance of the bus stops and the anticipated improvement in modal-shift will reduce traffic congestion.
7.7	Land Requirement
	No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.
7.8	Alternative Arrangements
	None.
7.9	Local Member's View
	The local Member, Councillor Wright, has been consulted and is happy with the proposals.
7.10	Crime and Disorder Act 1998
	The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.
7.11	Sustainability
	This scheme seeks to promote public transport and reduce the need for private motor transport.
8.	Financial Arrangements


8.1	Expenditure	£'000	Funds Available	£'000

	Design Fee	10	Developer Funding	100
	Supervision
	Project Works	90
	Land
		____		____
	Total	100	Total	100
		____		____

8.2	Revenue Implications	£'000	% Variation to Committee's budget

	Net increase in current expenditure	Nil		Nil
	Capital Charge	10		0.01
		____		____
	Total Expenditure	10		0.01
		____		____

8.3	Maintenance Implications Maintenance of bus stop poles and signs will be met by the County Councils revenue budget. Information will be updated and maintained by the bus operator. Shelters will be signed over to Gosport Borough Council and will become its responsibility. This reflects current policy and does not add extra burdens on the County Council as most new equipment will replace existing expired infrastructure.


Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.	Published works.

2.	Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE	LOCATION
None

8359/MC

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