Agenda item

The Locality Manager presented the report. He explained that this was an annual report, which would normally be considered by members alongside a public transport report. He advised members that in future the report would be referred to members later in the year, at around September or October.

He introduced Mike Rowlands, Operations Manager of South Somerset Community Accessible Transport.

The Operations Manager explained the details within his report as detailed as appendix A in the agenda. Some of these details included;

·         there had been some severe financial setbacks, due to a failed lottery funding bid, which resulted in some amendments to the business plan.

·         Prices were increased in January 2018 by 40%. He explained that this was large increase, however he added that the customers realised the need for this increase.

·         He offered this thanks to local Parish and Town Councils. Adding that out of 25 Town and Parish councils, he received contributions from 15 councils.

·         Funding had been secured from the Friends of Verrington Community Hospital.

·         He explained that there were different fund raising initiatives planned.

·         The Co-op in Wincanton offers contributions to the SSCAT bus. He added that these contributions were being used towards the development of an online booking system.

·         Others savings have been made.

·         The budget aim for this year was to break even.

·         He added that the figures for the number of group and individual journeys, as well as the social car journeys were detailed within the report.

·         A contract for King Arthurs School had been terminated which was a disappointing loss in income.

He provided an update on the Department for Transport consultation around the future operation of section 19 and 22 permits. He explained that this was still under review.

In response to questions from members, he advised that drivers of the social cars were volunteer drivers. He also added that he would not be keen to increase any prices further and that necessary rises would be gradual increases.

One member felt that it would be useful to know how much each parish council donated within their ward. The Operations Manager agreed that this information could be provided.

Another member asked whether the number of residents within each parish that use the facility could be provided to the Parish and Town Councils.

Another member pointed out that, wherever possible, members try to secure contributions from major planning applications towards community transport. The Chairman explained that travel plans were being considered, across South Somerset, with Somerset County Council to ensure that travel plans were relevant.

The Locality Manager advised that officers were working alongside SCC to develop travel plans which were possibly more relevant and would seek to ensure contributions for local community transport.  He added that this was an area of priority within the Council Plan and that because of this; resource would be allocated to this project.

S106 and CIL contributions were discussed by members.

The Chairman felt that the Parish and Town Councils were doing all they could to support the SSCAT bus. He hoped that S106 and CIL money could be used towards community transport in the future.

The Chairman thanked the Operations Manager for his report and for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED:  that members noted the report.