15/01/2020 - RSN Seminar: Connectivity & Rural Transport

Date: 15th January 2020
Subject: Barriers to access – Connectivity & Rural Transport
Thank you to North Yorkshire County Council for kindly hosting this event
- To download the agenda for this meeting click here
- To download a copy of these minutes click here

Speakers

3 Examples of Good Practice discussed during the event with weblinks:
  • Rural transport hub model, enabling a range of mobility innovations providing a focus for car-sharing, e-vehicle charging, rural deliveries, “last-mile” transit technologies, business workspaces, learning lounges and other social functions. Based on the Mobi-hubs model: https://mobihubs.eu/
  • North Yorkshire’s ‘Little White Bus’ is highly regarded. Operating with support from North Yorkshire County Council, this community transport service operates several routes in rural parts of the county.
  • The Bridges Community Car scheme in Monmouthshire provides door-to-door transport for people who require additional support getting to local shops, social activities or appointments. befriendingmonmouthshire.org.uk

5 key learning points from the discussions
  • Business & economy issues cannot be separated out from social & community issues. They are all inter-connected and transport/connectivity impacts on all areas of life in rural areas.
  • There are no ‘magic bullets’ which will solve rural transport issues and needs. A variety of solutions are required. This includes reducing the need to travel and helping communities to help themselves.
  • Public Service Vehicle Access Requirements (PSVAR) now means that vehicles which are unable to accommodate wheelchairs are not compliant and, hence, cannot take fares. One impact is that all the spare seats previously available to local people on school and other services are no longer able to be sold.
  • Planning and central government regulations need to support the drive to improve connectivity. Often, development proceeds where it simply adds to rural transport problems. For example, there is a lack of connectivity between different modes of transport which could be improved through appropriate controls.
  • Bundling of demand for transport could assist in making services viable.

Any other key outcomes from the day for noting:

Many models are required to solve rural transport issues. These include:

  • Limited opportunity for modal shift /new service development – must innovate to maintain.
  • Demand Responsive services not always the answer – can be more expensive than traditional local bus.
  • Overlay a range of options where feasible.
  • Engage positively but realistically with communities.
  • Support and facilitate community (based) transport development.
  • Make the case for the bus as an essential service.

Attendance:

Cllr Robert Heseltine

North Yorkshire County Council

Andy Dean

Rural Services Network

Ivan Annibal

Rose Regeneration

David Bowe

North Yorkshire County Council

Ian Fielding

North Yorkshire County Council

Dr Gary Bosworth

University of Lincoln

Martin Higgitt

Martin Higgitt Associates Ltd

Colin Walker

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Amy Thomas

Ryedale District Council

Andy Powell

Broadacres Housing Association

Anthony Ruddy

North Yorkshire County Council

Ben Jewel

Selby District Council

Carl Doolan

Broadacres Housing Association

Claire Canavan

Healthwatch North Yorkshire

Cllr Annabel Wilkinson

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Carl Les

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Caroline Dickinson

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr David Jeffels

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Jim Clark

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Lillian Burns

NALC (National Association of Local Councils)

Cllr Mike Jordan

Selby District Council

Cllr Pat Marsh

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Peter Sowray

North Yorkshire County Council

Cllr Richard Good

Richmondshire District Council

Cllr Sue Tucker

Scarborough Borough Council

Cllr Tom Watson

Harrogate Borough Council

David Marsden

Peak District National Park Authority

Dr Jessica Sellick

Rose Regeneration

Erika Spight

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Gail Teasdale

Broadacres Housing Association

Heather Baratt

North Lincolnshire Council

Helen Wright

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Ian Burnett

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Jane Berni

Community Lincs

John Laking

North Yorkshire County Council

Judith Warnes

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Liz Small

North Yorkshire County Council

Mark Jessop

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Michelle Thompson

Healthwatch North Yorkshire

Neil Hughes

Cumbria County Council

Nigel Williams

Pub is the Hub

Paul Staines

Hambleton District Council

Phillip Spurr

Ryedale District Council

Rachel Johnson

North Lincolnshire Council

Rita Lawson

Tees Valley Rural Action

Sherie Newboult

North Lincolnshire Council

Sue Edgar

The National Federation of SubPostmasters

Wayne Lake

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

William Slater

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

 
Apologies:

Amy Marshall

IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services)

Anthony Ruddy

North Yorkshire County Council

Bernard Bateman

Harrogate Borough Council

Cayla Burnside

Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

Claire Palmer

Alertacall

Cllr Suzie Morley

Babergh & Mid Suffolk Council

Hugh Clear Hill

North Yorkshire County Council

Ian Cass

Forum of Private Business

John Birtwistle

UK Bus - First Group

Karen Wright

Herefordshire Council

Neil Irving

North Yorkshire County Council

Richa Mitra

Alzheimer's Society

Richard Flinton

North Yorkshire County Council

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