Agenda item

Mr P Edge of Langport Transport Group addressed members regarding the possibility of re-instating a railway station for Langport. He referred to a meeting in October 2016 led by the County Council, attended by the MP and users groups, where a proposal was made regarding undertaking a feasibility study for a station. He noted pledges had been made for funding towards the feasibility study and he questioned what progress had been made since the meeting.

In response, the Transport Strategy Officer (SSDC) suggested that a separate meeting be arranged with key ward members and officers to address a response to Mr Edge and to consider the proposed feasibility study for a new station.

The Transport Strategy Officer then presented his report as detailed in the agenda. He noted he was aware there were some fare issues relating to the Links service. A meeting had been arranged for 5 April to explore options of how Links costs and operations could be improved.

During a short discussion, the officer responded to points of detail including:

·         Concerns about highway safety and the bus stop near the Halfway House at Pitney were a matter for Highways, but he would forward the issue.

·         Should issues arise regarding any staff aboard public transport it was important that precise details of the route, date and time were noted in order that the relevant member of staff could be identified at a later date.

·         Explanation of the logistics regarding bus sizes and costs.

·         Explanation of how concessionary fares work. The significant cost of the scheme being be extended to young people would effectively require a directive or similar from central government.

Members were content to note the report, and the Chairman thanked the officer for his informative report.