Contact: Andrew Wilson, ext 6389 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report sets out progress made on the Bus Quality Partnership for routes 1 and 6, the proposal to incorporate route 3 and the position on the tendered bus network.

2. Basingstoke Quality Bus Partnership 2004/05

2.1 Improvement works to bus stops are substantially complete as part of the Basingstoke Quality Bus Partnership (QBP): route 1 (Hatch Warren-Brighton Hill-Town Centre-Tadley-Baughurst) and route 6 (Town Centre-Winklebury). The improvements include new bus shelters, new bus stop poles with timetable and ticketing information, raised boarding kerbs to help people with buggies and the mobility-impaired, and bus stop clearway road markings to help buses gain access to bus stops. The partnership has already delivered better quality buses and more frequent services.

2.2 All buses in the Stagecoach Basingstoke fleet have been fitted with transponders to operate the Real-Time Information system, which is undergoing trials. It is anticipated that electronic screens will be installed in bus shelters during summer 2005. In the future passengers will also be able to access Real-Time Information via mobile phone text messages.

2.3 The Stagecoach Basingstoke bus network is currently experiencing one of the highest growth rates in passenger numbers in the country. Passenger numbers on the QBP routes are approximately 20% higher than last year.

3. Route 3 Quality Bus Partnership 2005/06

3.1 Following on from the success of the QBP for routes 1 and 6, the Basingstoke QBP will be expanded during 2005/06 to incorporate route 3 (East Popley-Town Centre-South Ham). Bus stop improvements similar to those on routes 1 and 6 will be implemented, and Stagecoach is seeking investment in a fleet of new buses for the route.

4. Basingstoke Tendered Bus Network

4.1 The County Council's financially supported local bus service contracts in Basingstoke are due for renewal in July 2005. Services are discussed with the Borough Council as part of the tendering process.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

235/AW