Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive providing details, by way of presentations, of actions being taken or planned to address air quality in Southampton, attached.

The Panel considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive relating to evidence from two major bus companies operating in Southampton and the actions being taken or that were planned to address air quality in Southampton.

Andrew Wickham from Go South Coast, operators of the BlueStar and Uni-Link buses in Southampton and Marc Reddy from First Bus Southampton both gave presentations, which included details of their current fleet and the measures that were in place to improve the emissions even further.

Both stated the importance of encouraging bus travel and that this could only be done by working in partnership with local authorities and also retailers.

The following responses were received to questions raised:-

·  Hybrid buses were not particularly economical and that in most cases where only operational with support.  There were issues with regards to range; and recharging for fully electric vehicles.  Battery technology for these types of vehicle needed to be developed.

·  Both operators would be supportive in principle of a no idling zone however there would need to be consideration of when buses were collecting/ dropping passengers and whether at these times it would be economical for the engine to stop.  Stop/start technology was not at the same level for bus engines as it was for modern cars. Though buses do have idling limiters installed.

·  Both operators would also be supportive of ULEC status, however they would need to evaluate what the impact would be.

·  The best buses with regards to lowest emission levels were not specifically allocated to the routes with the worst air quality, however in reality these routes did often have these vehicles as they were often the busiest and the newest buses were allocated.  Hybrid vehicles were often used on the western approach.

·  The new technology for the Euro VI engines has taken longer to develop for the bus engines.  It was thought that they may be available in 2015.

·  Details for Southampton fleets were:

Ø  First Bus – 40% Euro V, 35% Euro IV and 25% Euro III

Ø  Go South Coast – 32% Euro V, 6% Euro IV and 62% Euro III

·  If the increase in bus travel generated additional profit it would allow investment in the fleets.

·  It was noted that the buses used for football match days were not part of the services provided by either First or Go South Coast.  These were private organised by the Club.  And although the emissions from these vehicles appeared to be poor they were only used for a very limited period and therefore did not have a large impact on the overall air quality.

·  The introduction of the telematics systems initially caused some concern amongst the drivers, however they now see it as a tool to improve.  It has created a healthy competition amongst staff.

·  There was a preference to keep buses on the road rather than pulling into laybys when collecting and dropping off.  This also created traffic calming.

·  Both operators confirmed that priority bus lanes were the best option.  Not only did this improve the journey time for the current users, it was a good way to encourage new users.

·  Go South Coast indicated that there were plans to replace their Euro III buses.  They invested year on year.  The older part of the fleet was used less and were often only used for the college/school runs.

·  It was reported that evening services had remained unchanged, however there had been some reduction in the night time service.

·  Information was given about multi tickets and also that it was possible to purchase family tickets.

·  It was agreed that advertising to reach non bus users was an issue but the operators were looking at using many different options as possible.

·  Concerns were raised relating to queues of empty buses causing traffic delays along Shirley High Street.  This caused cars to be stationary and creating more pollution.  The suggestion of smaller buses during non-peak times was probably not a viable option as it would mean that operators would need to have two fleets.  It was also important to remember that although the buses may be less than at capacity at this part of the route this did not mean that there were not higher numbers of passenger as other points, particularly with the cross city routes.

·  Contactless payment systems may be something that could be introduced in the future however with different fare levels this would be very complicated with regards to the technology.

·  Both bus companies indicated it would be helpful if the Council restricted certain types of land use. For example ‘pop-up’ car parks that appeared whilst waiting for land to be developed were not welcomed as they undermined the Council and the bus companies.