Councillors and committees

Decision details

Greener Futures - Improving Rural Mobility: An Ultra Low Emission Community Transport Fleet

Decision Maker: Executive Director Environment, Infrastructure and Growth, Director of Law and Governance, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Resources

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The Cabinet report of  24 November 2020 (Accelerating the introduction of ultra-low / zero emissions buses and community transport vehicles into Surrey), made the two resolutions as set out above.

 

Now agreement has been secured from the Capital Programme Panel (11 January 2022), the Cabinet resolution requires that the final delegated decision be taken, including moving the required capital funding from the capital pipeline to the capital budget so that the programme can moved forward.

 

This is a record of that delegated decision.

Decision:

Decision made:

 

It was AGREED that:

 

1.    That the Surrey Ultra-Low and Zero Emission Community Transport Scheme be approved, including moving the required capital funding of £6.26m from the Capital Pipeline to the capital budget so that the programme can moved forward.

 

Reasons for the decision:

Reasons for Decision:

 

This programme sits within the wider corporate Greener Futures project, and is designed to support Surrey’s Community Vision for 2030 in the ambition to ensure that “Residents live in clean, safe and green communities, where people and organisations embrace their environmental responsibilities”

Surrey has a vibrant community transport sector ensuring that residents who cannot access the mainstream public transport network (buses and trains) can access key services such as health care. Traditionally community transport operators carry passengers using low floor or accessible minibuses via a door-to-door service.

To demonstrate Surrey’s commitment to working with partners to embrace safer, greener communities, the County Council is committed to working with the community transport sector to help introduce zero and ultra-low emission vehicles across the community transport sector, and to help further reduce the carbon footprint of the overall transport network.

This decision follows the clear resolution from Cabinet to work towards the ambition of an ultra-low/zero emission bus fleet by 2030, supporting our Climate Change Strategy. This community transport programme is consistent with our response to the declared Climate Emergency and support the ambitions set out in the Council’s new (draft) Surrey Transport Plan and Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The environmental impact of these vehicles will be significant and help to encourage a modal shift change within the community transport sector.

Alternative options considered:

Option 1: Do Nothing

PROS

Staff resource can be deployed on other programmes.

Funding can be invested in other services.

CONS

The County Council has declared a climate emergency and committed to a series of actions that are needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions, set out in the Climate Strategy.

It is a challenge for the community transport sector to formulate adequate capital budgets to fund vehicle replacement programmes.  Without this investment from the County Council, the sector will struggle to keep up with the push to electrify their fleets.

The number of electric minibuses in Surrey will be inconsequential

We will be unable to contribute effectively towards our strategic priorities, providing greater sustainable transport options to residents in Surrey.

Not investing in a Demand Responsive Transport service will leave rural communities finding it increasing difficult to access key services such as health and food shopping.

There could also be an increase in private car usage and modal shift to public transport options would not be achieved.

Non-investment would also see an increase in rural isolation and loneliness, having a negative effect on mental health wellbeing

 

Option 2: Deliver a limited number of phases in the work programme

PROS

Some environmental impacts and cost savings can be delivered for parts of Surrey.

The programme could be accelerated and delivered in a shorter timescale, but less improvements will be delivered as a result.

CONS

A reduced level of environmental benefits and cost savings will be realised.  These may not be effective on their own and will not have the impact of a greater level of investment.  This prevents a holistic approach being taken to the need to electrify the community transport sector.

Not investing in a meaningful manner would deter the boroughs and districts of Surrey in match funding the transition to electric vehicles.  If it is not a priority for the County Council then they may not feel the need to match our commitment.

Not investing in a Demand Responsive Transport service will leave rural communities finding it increasing difficult to access key services such as health and food shopping.

There could also be an increase in private car usage and modal shift to public transport options would not be achieved.

Non-investment would also see an increase in rural isolation and loneliness, having a negative effect on mental health wellbeing

Preferred Option: Deliver all four phases of rural mobility and electrification of community transport as set out in the 24 November 2020 Cabinet report

PROS

By delivering all four phases of this work, this will help the Council achieve the Greener Futures agenda. 

The programme of work would accelerate the Council’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions, with 46% emanating from the transport sector.

Closer working with our borough and district partners e.g. in relation to cooperation agreements will foster stronger relationships and efficiencies.

The investment in electric vehicles for the sector would demonstrate the County Council’s commitment to a vital community transport network, alongside showing our residents that we are looking at viable, greener alternatives for our complete transport network.

In undertaking the development of a new Demand Responsive Transport service, the County Council can assess the viability of this type of service in rural parts of the county.  Investing in a technology based trial in Mole Valley will help shape future services.

A multi operator approach to the Demand Responsive Transport service indicates that we want to engage with all key stakeholders to ensure an effective and efficient services whilst realising social value.

CONS

We will increase the number of assets we manage and will need to maintain the existing staffing numbers to do so.

 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Publication date: 25/11/2021

Date of decision: 01/12/2021