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Question 1 –
how would you
describe the current condition of the bus and community transport
sectors in Wales?
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There are examples of excellent practice in some areas where
collaboration between statutory, voluntary, commercial and
community transport providers. This is particularly evident
in improved access to health care when service changes have taken
place and greater partnership working.
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Question 2 –
why do you think
the number of bus services and the number of bus passengers is
declining in Wales?
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There remains a public perception that there is very little in the
way of public and community transport available in their areas.
This has resulted in less uptake of these services based on
the fact that the public are not aware of what is
available.
There is also a view that central funding for bus services to Local
Authorities has been reduced resulting in bus routes being
reduced.
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Question 3 –
what do you think is the social, economic and environmental impact
of recent changes in bus and community transport service
levels?
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Reduced bus routes directly impacts on people being able to go to
work while also penalising those who are dependent on public
transport i.e. older people.
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Question 4 –
what do you think
the Welsh Government should do to support bus and community
transport in Wales?
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They should introduce a charge of £10 per annum for each
individual accessing concessionary fares. This income
estimated at £4.1 million per year could then be reinvested
into bus and community transport across Wales.
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Question 5
– what do you think Welsh local authorities should do to
support bus and community transport services?
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They should encourage further collaboration with the NHS to
streamline current provision with a view to releasing resources to
maintain effective bus and community transport
provision.
Collaboratively they should encourage the development of social
enterprises through the Community Transport Association. Thus
complementing and supporting current bus and community transport
across Wales.
Further emphasis on transport should be included in Rural
Development Plans therefore attracting external funding to
strengthen local provision.
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Question 6
– what do you think about proposals to devolve bus
registration powers to Wales? How should these be used?
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Much will depend on what additional resources accompany these
powers, as will the flexibility on how these powers can ensure
equitable access to effective bus transport.
One area of work which the regulations need to focus on is to
simplify the registration process whilst encouraging collaboration
wherever possible.
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Question 7
– please tell us whether you think further powers to regulate
the bus industry in Wales are required and why?
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Further powers are required if only to stimulate healthy
competition and incentives to stimulate partnerships across
communities.
Encouragement should be given through these powers to engage
employers and their staff in making best use of public
transport.
Reduction in bureaucracy will be key in ensuring that all providers
comply with the regulations and encourage bus and community
transport across Wales.
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Question 8
– what other
action can be taken to ensure that bus and community transport
services meet the needs of people in Wales?
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A full analysis of current provision needs to take place in order
to measure public awareness of what bus and community transport is
currently available.
Welsh Government need to measure the impact of planned reductions
in Local Authority funding for bus and community
transport.
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Please tell us anything
else you would like to mention this topic, thank you for
contributing to our inquiry.
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It is imperative that there is no further reduction in bus and
transport provision across Wales at a time when collaboration
across all sectors is increasing. The latter promoting
greater value for money, improved access to services benefitting
local communities.
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