The Greater Lincolnshire Transport Board met on 1 April 2026 to discuss the progress of the Rural Transport Group and the development of the Local Transport Plan, and to approve plans for a new Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership and Bus Service Improvement Plan. The Board noted the progress of the Rural Transport Group, supported the engagement strategy for the Local Transport Plan, and unanimously approved the implementation plan and terms of reference for the new Enhanced Partnership and Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The Rural Transport Group

The Board noted the progress made in establishing the Mayoral Rural Transport Group. This group, launched in Westminster on 15 January 2026, aims to address the unique transport challenges faced by rural areas. The initial meeting brought together representatives from seven local authorities, the Department for Transport (DfT), MPs, and sub-regional transport bodies. Key themes discussed included demand-responsive transport, bus franchising, fare subsidy, policy development, data sharing, and best practice. The group's next meeting will be hosted by the DfT in York, focusing on data and best practices for rural bus services. The Board was asked to provide feedback on the group's priorities for the coming year.

Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway suggested engaging with the Rural Services Network to share data and avoid duplication of effort. Councillor Rob Waltham MBE highlighted the need for people-focused solutions, particularly for older people and younger people seeking employment, and stressed the importance of measuring outcomes. Councillor Ashley John Baxter sought clarification on the membership of the group and where to find minutes of its meetings. Lana Meddings, Interim Strategic Transport Lead, explained that the group's membership comprises mayors of relevant authorities and county councils, along with stakeholders from national transport organisations and government departments. She confirmed that while the initial meeting was a launch event without formal minutes, a forward plan is being developed. She also clarified that while the core membership is mayoral, external parties with a transport interest, such as the DfT and DEFRA, are involved.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan - Programme Update

The Board reviewed the progress of developing the first Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan (LTP), a statutory requirement for the new Local Transport Authority. Officers from across the constituent councils have been working on the eight stages of the plan. The report outlined proposed early engagement activities, including stakeholder workshops, an online survey, and a public-facing transport roadshow, designed to gather a wide range of views to inform policy development. The Board was invited to comment on the programme and the proposed engagement strategy.

Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway raised concerns about the cohesion between the Local Transport Plan and the spatial development strategy, and how infrastructure would support growth plans. Lana Meddings assured members that these workstreams were being developed in tandem, with data from the LTP informing the spatial development strategy. Deputy Mayor Councillor Ingrid Sheard noted the advantage of the new, small team being able to communicate effectively, fostering collaboration. Councillor Philip Jackson highlighted Gainsborough's pilot of the digital transport hub and expressed a desire for involvement. Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway also emphasised the importance of infrastructure for growth, mentioning the potential impact of Stepfusion on the A1 and railway lines. Councillor Hawthorne stressed the need for the LTP to be resident-led and responsive to local needs, criticising regional spatial strategies. Councillor Ashley John Baxter requested specific dates and timelines for the various engagement activities and the overall plan. Lana Meddings committed to a political sign-off by April 2027 and outlined plans for quarterly reporting. She also confirmed that the transport roadshow dates would be shared with local members once set. Councillor Jackson inquired about how existing information from the three transport authorities would be integrated and how contradictions would be managed. Lana Meddings explained that a LTP-light document had already mapped existing plans and priorities, and that a working group of transport planners from each authority was ensuring representation and collaboration. Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway added that flexibility would be important in the process. The Board unanimously supported the proposed engagement strategy.

Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership and Bus Service Improvement Plan

The Board considered an implementation plan for transitioning from three existing local enhanced partnerships for bus services to a single Greater Lincolnshire-wide model. This also included the process for developing a new unified Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which will be a key strategic document alongside the LTP. The report outlined proposed governance arrangements, including a new Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership Board, and milestones leading up to April 2027, when the new model will be fully in place.

Councillor Tom Catton raised concerns about the lack of detail regarding fare affordability and passenger data collection in the Bus Service Improvement Plan. Lana Meddings confirmed that the inclusion of these elements would be considered as part of the data collection process. Helen Reek, from Lincolnshire County Council's transport services, noted that while efforts would be made to collect available data, some information might not be obtainable due to system limitations. Councillor Rob Waltham MBE highlighted the importance of ensuring a viable bus network, not just profitable routes, and the need to consider smaller operators and cross-county working. He also commented on the paradox of public desire for bus services versus actual usage, and the need for a good, clean, and reliable service. Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway raised concerns about the short notice contractors can give to cancel contracts, creating uncertainty for vulnerable groups. Lana Meddings stated that this issue would be investigated. Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway also inquired about the integration of digitisation and integration of services into the BSIP, and whether this was a separate project. It was clarified that transport hub pilots would be kept separate from the BSIP, but lessons learned could be incorporated. Councillor Philip Jackson noted the success of the enhanced partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands in North East Lincolnshire and the existing cross-subsidy arrangements. He also pointed out the inefficiency of large buses with very few passengers. Councillor Ashley John Baxter praised the report for its inclusion of dates and timelines but expressed confusion over a specific chart. He also questioned the membership of the Enhanced Partnership Board and the extent to which school transport would be covered by the BSIP. Lana Meddings confirmed that school transport was integral to the sustainability of local bus networks and that its integration would be considered.

The Board unanimously approved the draft terms of reference for the Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership Board, the implementation plan, and the notice of intention to create the partnership. Recommendation five, regarding serving notice on constituent authorities to withdraw delegation for BSIP preparation, was removed from the vote as it had been incorporated into the section 101 agreement.