Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ITEM 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

WINCHESTER TO SOUTHAMPTON `BLUESTAR 1' QUALITY BUS PARTNERSHIP - INFRASTRUCTURE AND INFORMATION IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JANUARY 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2006

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2005/06

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2005

(at 2005

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Construction

310

310

Fees

40

40

350

350

Less developers/

other contributions

350

350

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

350

(b) Other

350

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

350

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

6

0.005

Capital charges

35

0.028

TOTAL net expenditure

41

0.033

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

2.11

2.12

2.13

2.14

This project will contribute towards the County Council's Local Transport Plan and LPSA2 targets for increasing bus patronage. It will also positively impact on BVPI 103 (local public transport information) and BVPI 104 (satisfaction with local bus services). The County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Solent Blue Line bus company share a common objective to encourage greater use of public transport in Hampshire to address traffic congestion problems. The provision of high quality, reliable and accessible bus services can help to address these issues. All parties are committed to working closely together to deliver a high quality public transport system.

Solent Blue Line is in the process of being taken over by the Go Ahead group which owns Wilts & Dorset locally. The County Council signed a QBP with Go Ahead subsidiary Wilts & Dorset early in 2005 which shows the positive approach of Go Ahead to partnership working. The company has a good investment record which should benefit Solent Blue Line

The route, Bluestar 1 which links Southampton and Winchester via Chandler's Ford, is a key route in south Hampshire and is identified as showing good potential for development. Bluestar 1 will be subject to a route-specific Quality Bus Partnership.

The proposed works would complement investment by Solent Blue Line in upgraded vehicles and improved frequencies on this route.

Eastleigh Borough Council will administer and supervise the highway works on a fees basis.

The civil engineering works on the highway will go out to tender.

Targets and Outcomes

Southampton-Winchester Bluestar 1 route has been selected for an upgrade to bus stop infrastructure and information provision as it is a key inter-urban route in south Hampshire. The bus operator, Solent Blue Line, has recently introduced extensively refurbished coach-seated buses on the route which has been increased to a 15 minute frequency.

This project deals with improvements to interchange facilities, bus stop infrastructure, accessibility and information displays. Because of the strong passenger flows, these works will be concentrated on the busy Chandler's Ford section of route to achieve maximum results. Solent Blue Line will conduct a targeted marketing campaign jointly with the County Council.

Improved interchange with Chandler's Ford rail station will result from upgrade of the key stop at the Chandler's Ford Precinct. This will improve links for both Bluestar 1 and local service 44/44A, which is part of the existing QBP. Service 44/44A connects the rail station with much of Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury twice an hour and uses low-floor buses introduced in 2003.

Department for Transport research has identified a number of barriers to increasing the use of public transport. These areas include poor timetable information, lack of adequate waiting facilities and inadequate access to bus stops. The proposed works will improve all these highlighted areas to generate more passenger journeys.

Solent Blue Line has expressed the view that infrastructure improvements on this route will encourage higher patronage of the service and improve running times.

The Winchester-Southampton Bluestar 1 route has around 600,000 passenger journeys a year of whom around 300,000 are in Hampshire. Some 40% or 120,000 are in Chandler's Ford. Passenger journeys have risen by 5% in the last year following service improvements - the operator has introduced eight refurbished coach-seated vehicles at a cost of £200,000 and doubled the all-route frequency to 15 minutes day-time, 30 minutes evenings and Sundays.

Low-floor buses are used on most evening and Sunday journeys and on a number of day time services. It is anticipated that the proportion of low-floor buses will increase. The raised access kerbs will provide level entry to these buses and to the first step of non low-floor buses.

The proposed investment of £350,000 is anticipated to complement the operator investment and increase passenger journeys by 5% over and above the effects of other measures.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

The proposals are consistent with the objectives of providing greater travel choice and improved public transport systems. The objective of the infrastructure improvements is to improve the operation of public transport on Bluestar 1 by reducing stop times so offering an attractive and viable public transport alternative.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

The design adheres to the design standards of the Department for Transport and those of the County Council.

Specific works will include:

(i) improving access to bus services and interchange with Chandler's Ford rail station by remodelling the key interchange stop at Chandler's Ford Precinct;

(ii) replacing approximately 30 bus stop poles with high quality, colour coded aluminium units incorporating large integral display cases and comprehensive publicity;

(iii) providing new bus shelters where appropriate;

(iv) installing raised kerbs to provide easier access for people with limited mobility and for those with shopping trolleys or baby buggies to both step-entry and low-floor buses. Works will also include safer crossing points, dropped kerbs with tactile paving and footway links, where appropriate, to provide safer access to bus stops; and

(v) promoting a jointly funded marketing campaign using high quality publicity to market the service.

Solent Blue Line has provided a list of the busiest stops and site visits have been undertaken to determine appropriate measures for each stop.

A location plan is attached and a detailed plan of the proposed improvements will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

3.5

The local environment will be aesthetically improved by the replacement of life expired infrastructure with new bus shelters and high quality bus stop poles.

Land Requirements

3.6

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

3.7

No Statutory Procedures are involved.

Public Consultation

3.8

As part of the Passenger Transport Group Best Value Review, Miller Associates carried out extensive market research and convened focus groups with Hampshire residents. The results show a very positive response to measures to improve bus services, ie improved timetables, improved information, better accessibility and new bus shelters.

Local Members' View

3.9

The local Members, Councillors Broadhurst and Davidovitz, support the proposals.

Impact Assessments

3.10

3.11

3.12

These measures have been assessed to ensure that they improve equal access to services and employment and support the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy: 1 Maximising Life Opportunities; 3 Achieving Economic Prosperity; 4 Building Strong and Safe Communities; and 5 Improving Services.

The infrastructure improvements funded by the County Council will provide improved interchange with rail services and level access at the busiest bus stops which will provide easier entry for the mobility-impaired. Footway links and pavement heights will ensure good access to these stops.

The QBP Steering Group will provide a vehicle for engaging with all members of the community and undertaking regular consultation to ensure that the bus service offered best reflects their needs and aspirations and is marketed in a way that reaches all interested parties.

Maintenance Implications

3.13

Maintenance of new bus shelters, that are not maintained free of charge by an advertising company, will be undertaken by Eastleigh Borough Council in line with existing arrangements.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.14

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

3.15

The measures proposed support the County Council's policies to make best use of the existing transport network, improve interchange and help to ensure a sustainable transport facility for the future by making the bus an attractive travel option.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

Taking no action.

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

Project File

Environment Department

Room 228