Contact: Peter Shelley, ext 6984 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal to carry out infrastructure and information improvements on the Southampton-Winchester Bluestar 1 bus service concentrated on the busy Chandler's Ford area, including improved boarding and access arrangements, new bus shelters and high quality bus stop poles with integrated information displays, as part of the Eastleigh Quality Bus Partnership, at an estimated cost of £350,000, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 1 (Maximising Life Opportunities) by improving access to services, education and employment;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by improving travel choice;

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving access to business, shopping and employment;

(iv) Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) by providing a safe environment for passengers to wait for their local bus; and

(v) Aim 5 (Improving Services) by providing an enhanced waiting facility and improved bus stop information which are both essential issues to encourage people to use passenger transport.

2.2 To work with Solent Blue Line bus company and Eastleigh Borough Council to provide a reliable, accessible and realistic alternative to the private car by improving the quality of the bus infrastructure and information on one of the key bus routes in south Hampshire.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member 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 T G Knight

410Decn/PS