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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal to improve public transport infrastructure and information provision on the Waterside to Southampton bus corridor, including raised boarding kerbs, bus stop clearways, new bus stop poles and new bus shelters, as part of the Quality Bus Partnership with bus operator Solent Blue Line, at an estimated cost of £400,000, be approved, subject to continued availability of funding.

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 enhanced waiting facilities and improved bus stop information which are both essential to encourage people to use public transport services.

2.2 To work with Solent Blue Line bus company and New Forest District Council to provide a reliable, accessible and realistic alternative to the private car by improving the quality of the bus infrastructure and information along the busy bus corridor between The Waterside and Southampton.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Investment could have been targeted at alternative potential Quality Bus Partnership routes, but after consultation with operators and studying the services it is considered that these routes offer the best value for money and have the best potential for passenger growth.

3.2 To do nothing. This option was rejected as this would lead to a breakdown of the Quality Partnership agreements with bus operators and consequently a lack of investment in public transport.

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 - appointment of a new Portfolio Holder with effect from 1 September 2006.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

1015Decn/AW