Agenda item

The Transportation Advisory Group noted the questions and answers on transport matters that had been submitted in advance of the meeting that had been included in the agenda pack.

Further to question 2 from Councillor Baggaley, he had also requested that a map be provided of the diversion route and that a meeting was arranged between SYMCA/First Bus/Treeton Parish Council and Ward Councillors to ensure that the bus diversion route was for the best. 

In response, Andrew Simpson had provided a map.  He also stated that the route of the shuttle bus service for Treeton would run from Treeton to Aughton crossroads, then along Pleasley Road to Whiston Crossroads, along West Bawtry Road to Canklow and then Canklow Road and Westgate into Rotherham Town Centre.  The map showed the route compared with the usual route of service 95.  Anyone wanting to travel between Treeton and Catcliffe would need to change to service 95 at a bus stop between Canklow and Rotherham.  A route for the shuttle bus, which also served Brinsworth and Catcliffe, following the route of service 95, had been investigated but this would add 15 minutes to the journey time between Treeton and Rotherham increasing the through journey from around 25 minutes to around 40 minutes.

Further to questions, 2, 3 and 4 relating to the closure of Mill Lane, Treeton, Councillor Adair asked if SYMCA could provide more information with regard to the timetable for the revised bus service.

Further to question 7 from Councillor Bennett-Sylvester, he acknowledged the response that had been received from Rotherham Community Transport, however, he had received further communication from the Gateway Club.  Apart from the last minute cancellation of service, there was the matter of lack of communication with service users which, given the nature of the service users, was a real issue.  From third party reports, Socialise was also experiencing the same problems. 

The Service was felt to be focussing on its school transport contracts and the others losing out which raised the issue of overall sustainability of the service.  It was noted that the Interim Transport Service Manager was carrying out work on alternative provisions for it. 

Sarah Loy, SYMCA, reported that regular meetings were held with all the community transport operators across South Yorkshire as they were SYMCA funded.  Any issues around Rotherham Community Transport should be forwarded to Sarah so that they could be raised them at the meetings.

Agreed:-  (1)  That Rotherham Community Transport be requested to attend the next meeting to give an update on this matter.

(2)  That the Interim Transport Services Manager be requested to keep the Transport Advisory Group informed of any progress made on finding an alternative provision.

(3)  That any issues regarding Rotherham Community Transport be forwarded to SYMCA  and they be raised in their meetings with the community transport operators.

Further to question 8, Councillor Bennett-Sylvester raised concern with the answer provided by First Bus as he had been there and it did not match the experience on the day.

It was noted that this matter would be discussed outside of the meeting.