Agenda item

Decisions:

1.  That the principles of the Bus Emergency Scheme 2 agreement as detailed in Appendix 2 to the circulated report be approved to secure (conditional) financial support for the bus sector and to establish a relationship with the regional lead authority and signatory, which ensures that the ongoing emergency funding meets the authority’s priorities and is delivered on its behalf.

2.   That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and Regeneration and the Head of Engineering and Transport in consultation with the Leader and relevant Cabinet Member to enter into a new umbrella Voluntary Partnership Agreement with Welsh Government Transport for Wales the constituent regional councils and operators as required.

3.   That the current procurement process and consultation for the subsidised local bus network be terminated and that the existing contract arrangements be extended with operators for a period of one year to the 31^st August 2022 and exclude the requirements of Rule 11 of the Contract Procurement Rules.

4.   That a report on the bus reform proposals relating to the future management of bus services in Wales be brought to Cabinet in Spring 2021.

Reason for Decisions:

To secure the funding for bus operators while patronage is low and services are impacted by the pandemic.

Implementation of Decisions:

The decisions will be for immediate implementation.

Consultation:

There has been full consultation with regional partners, the Wales Local Government Association and Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers.