The Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) seeks to ‘transform and extend’ the bus network in the region.
The RTS sees the bus network at the heart of the region’s public transport system, building alongside the National Transport Strategy (NTS2). Almost half (47%) of residents across the South East of Scotland used a bus service at least once a month in 2019 and patronage is building back.
At SEStran’s June Partnership Board Meeting, the Towards a World Class Bus Service paper begun the process of shaping a Regional Bus Strategy for the South East of Scotland.
Given the diverse range of issues currently impacting the bus sector, the Partnership Board agreed that it is the right time to develop a new Regional Bus Strategy. Through the development of the RTS, significant opportunities were identified to improve the efficiency, performance, affordability and overall sustainability of the bus network across the region.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 provides powers which offer an ambitious new model for bus services such as the power for local authorities to run their own bus services.
SEStran is working with Systra and Stantec to deliver a new Regional Bus Strategy strategy.
Phase One
The first phase of this work is in four work packages, which will be reported on at the SEStran board meetings:
The Case for Change Report (Work Package 1)
Work Package will prepare a Case for Change report which will create a single evidence base. As well as a singular narrative around bus transport and set out the vision for bus in the region, along with the objectives and outcomes to be achieved by the Regional Bus Strategy. The Case for Change report will take account of recent or on-going studies, such as The Regional Transport Strategy 2035; Glasgow & Strathclyde Transport Act Scoping Study – Options Assessment Study Report; and Affordability of Public Transport Report.
Options Appraisal (Work Package 2)
The second work package for the study will consider the impacts of options within the wider context.
This will cover the following two key aspects:
- The ability to deliver the bus network, service quality, infrastructure and fares standards that emerge from Work Package 1. This appraisal will be founded upon an affordability appraisal and an analysis of future funding sources.
- An appraisal of different delivery options afforded to SEStran by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Strategy Development (Work Package 2)
The Strategy Development will develop the operational work undertaken in Work Package 2 and turn the key findings of the preferred option into a draft Strategy for formal consultation.
Finalise Strategy and Consultation (Work Package 4)
SEStran will gather the results of the consultation and preparing a revised Strategy based on feedback.
If you would like to contribute to the development of the Regional Bus Strategy, please contact Rachael.murphy@sestran.gov.uk
Relevant documents will be added to this page periodically.