Social Value Ideas for West of England Combined Authority

Electric bus investment

The committee discussed a £150 million investment in green buses, with over 250 new electric buses expected by next summer and full electrification of four of First Bus's five depots. This is a major …

“This paper contains the latest portion of a total of 150 million pounds investment in green buses. The first of which are already serving local passen…”

Bus reform and PTE study

The committee discussed commissioning a bus improvement options study, including consideration of a passenger transport executive and future franchising. This is an opportunity to shape a new governan…

“Item 14 bus Improvement options um now some residents in the west of England enjoy an excellent bus service I'm pleased to say but in other places it'…”

Bath Keys Links approved

The committee approved the Bath Keys Links project as part of the investment fund programme. This is a capital spend on walking and cycling improvements in Bath city centre, with the report also refer…

“The report outlines the current position with the investment fund program and new approvals. These include changes which would increase the headroom t…”

Portishead rail line funded

The meeting confirmed funding for the Bristol and Portishead headline railway scheme, with new stations planned for Pill and Portishead and construction expected in 2028. This indicates a substantial …

“I joined Mike uh Bell and Tony and Sadiq Alhassan the MP for North Somerset at Temple meets last week after we got the green light from government for…”

2027 micro-mobility re-tender

The shared e-scooter and e-bike contract is due to be re-tendered in 2027, creating a procurement opportunity to redesign the scheme around affordability, accessibility, social equity, safety and bett…

“The numbers, the the the the the the the the Furthermore, the the re-procurement of this service will mean that residents can choose to continue to u…”

Severe bus service cuts and funding gaps

Public speakers warned that bus services across the West of England are under severe pressure, with temporary contracts ending on 31 July and multiple routes at risk of reduction or cancellation. The …

“"We are concerned that the funding gap between 2016 and 2019 means that there is a reduction in a lot of services, and temporary contracts obviously h…”

Bus funding cliff edge

Members and public speakers repeatedly warned that reduced bus grant funding is creating a cliff-edge risk for supported services, especially in rural areas and for vulnerable users. Concerns included…

“the committee has significant concerns uh regarding the fall in bus funding in 2627 uh particularly given the mayor's commitment to uh to increased pr…”

Bus reform feasibility study

The committee is being asked to approve funding for a feasibility study to explore bus service reform options across the region, including whether an arms-length transport executive body should be cre…

“The paper notes that to meet the needs of residents across the region we need to consider further options to improved bus services and it asks for com…”

Bus funding and service sustainability risk

Multiple public statements and member comments highlighted pressure on the bus network, especially the need to sustain services, fund levy increases, and address weak performance of Westlink and other…

“It's costing a lot of money and this is where I'm worried. It's going to cost us 15 million pound just to stand still. Uh and that allows for a price …”

Procurement controls strengthened

The audit committee received a serious recommendation that the authority document contractor appointments and strengthen controls to ensure the correct procurement process is followed, especially wher…

“We had several public questions and statements expressing concern about the governance and procurement of combined authority. Uh Grant Thornton presen…”

Commercial guidance revised

The audit committee's proposed changes to contract standing orders and commercial guidance were approved. The changes are intended to improve compliance, operational efficiency and value for money.

“item 17, uh, is the proposal to review and amend existing commercial guidance within the contract standing orders. Um, this report outlines the revisi…”