Agenda item

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris attending the meeting and took questions from Members.  The following points were raised:

·       Th Metro Mayor was asked about a leaflet that had been sent to households in the West of England providing information on energy bills which featured a profile picture of the Metro Mayor with his pet dog.  In response the Metro Mayor stated that the leaflet had been in accordance with usual practice and was extremely important to draw people’s attention to these issues.  He stated that the Metro Mayor was a figurehead for the region and therefore important for people to know who he was and how to get in touch with any issues they may have;

·       The Metro Mayor stated that there would be ongoing opportunities for small operators to provide services under the DRT proposals and urged small businesses and individuals to get in touch;

·       In regards to bus stops, a sum of money had been allocated to bring these under Authority control;

·       There was also plans to provide bicycle hangars for residential users, where the individuals concerned did not have room to store bikes in small houses or flats.  He urged anyone with ideas for allocation of resources to come forward so that they could be examined.  He did not want a situation where money would remain unallocated and handed back to Government, while stressing that all monies had to be used wisely;

·       The Metro Mayor did not rule out a franchising model for local transport in the region but did stress that other areas (such as Greater Manchester) were in a different position with monies raised through existing tram systems etc.  However, there were more pressing needs locally such as driver recruitment;

·       The Metro Mayor had met with community transport groups and hoped that some could be part of a future plan, with utilisation of mini-buses for example.  Technology would also be important but vulnerable people with limited access to technology needed to have their needs catered for as well through other mechanisms.  It was noted that North Somerset Council had 72% passenger numbers compared with pre-pandemic levels whereas the concessionary fare numbers were only at 60%;

·       In respect of enhanced partnerships the Metro Mayor confirmed that this was ongoing although the Authority were being tough negotiators as good value for money was needed.  He acknowledged that EPs may lead to a pre-dominant provider; 

·       In terms of a levy the Metro Mayor stated that if no consensus was reached then it would be based on a per capita basis.  Individual councils would need to benefit.  He acknowledged also that staff should have been transferred to the Authority from the UAs when transport powers transferred and all UAs needed to work collaborative and think strategically across the region;

·       The Metro Mayor reminded the meeting that constitutionally he only had a very limited choice as to who could be Deputy Mayor and he would have liked a wider pool to choose from.  He was trying to resolve the situation as quickly as possible;

·       It was noted that a service known as ‘the extra mile/the last mile’ had been trialled in some areas to promote pubic transport but had not been publicised properly so ended.  It was often difficult to travel across local ward areas without getting two buses with residents with mobility issues often struggling.  Community transport could provided some solutions.  The Metro Mayor, acknowledged the need for change and new solutions but it stated that it was important to manage people’s expectations.  There were sometimes bus services running that were not advertised;

Resolved:

That the Metro Mayor be thanked for attending the meeting to answer Members’ questions.