Decision Maker: Garioch Area Committee

Outcome: Defer

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 12, 2024

Purpose: The report seeks comments on draft updated passenger transport policies to take effect from 2025. These include policies on public transport, home-to-school transport and adult social work transport. Area Committee comments will be shared with the Infrastructure Services Committee, Education & Children Services Committee and/or Integration Joint Board for their consideration when they are asked to approve the policies.

Content: To provide the following comments on the proposed updated passenger transport policies:   1.   Suggested that Policies 14 and 42 on demand responsive transport be merged. 2.   Questioned whether Policy 13 on Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) should be pursued; suggested time and money should not be spent on this. 3.   Indicated support for demand responsive transport in principle but raised concerns from the Inverurie pilot and getting it to work in practice. 4.   Policy 44 – highlighted that there was more than one bus forum so references should be in the plural; need to decide how to proceed with bus forum meetings as these were not being held regularly. 5.   Policy 8 – welcomed the proposed policy on bike carrying but raised concerns about issues with fleet suitability and queried where the money would come from.