Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notifications of substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillor Brian Milnes, with Councillor Mark Lunn attending as substitute.

To receive any declarations of Members’ disclosable pecuniary interests, non-disclosable pecuniary interests and non-pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda.

Cllr Boden and Cllr Seaton both declared an interest as they were trustees of FACT Community Transport Service.

Cllr Seaton declared an additional interest as Chair of Hereward Community Rail Partnership.

At this point Cllr Boden, erring on the side of caution, recused himself from chairing items 8 and 12 and stated that he would ask the newly appointed Vice-Chair to take the chair for those items. Cllr Seaton also advised that he would remain in the room but not take part in the votes for these items.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Transport Committee for the municipal year 2026-27.

On being proposed by Councillor Chris Boden and seconded by Councillor Chris Seaton it was resolved unanimously to elect Councillor Alex Beckett as Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Seaton, Cllr Alex Beckett was unanimously elected as Vice-Chair of the Committee.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2026 and to note the action log.

The minutes of the meeting on 4 March 2026 were approved as an accurate record. The action log was noted by the Committee.

The minutes of the meeting on 4 March 2026 were approved as an accurate record.

In considering the Action Log Members expressed disappointment that the outstanding action relating to a briefing on bus franchising had not been provided before the meeting. It was suggested that additional member briefings between meetings would assist the Committee in considering significant and complex matters.

Officers advised that work on the Strategic Delivery Plan had continued following the independent review and legal checks, and that member engagement had been balanced against the need to complete the work and progress it through the Committee cycle. It was noted that further opportunities for member engagement would be provided as the programme progressed.

Members also raised wider concerns regarding member engagement and governance, including previous requests for working groups and briefings, and commented that the late circulation of substantial reports limited opportunities for detailed consideration in advance of meetings.

The Chair acknowledged these concerns, agreed that earlier engagement would have been beneficial, particularly on significant strategic transport matters, and noted that the comments would be taken into account for future Committee business.

Arrangements for asking a public question can be viewed here: Public Questions - Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

The deadline for receipt of questions for this meeting is 12 noon on Friday 12 June.

Eight public questions had been received. These had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting and were published as part of the meeting documents. Please see here: Public Questions.pdf

Present at the meeting were Paul Boothman, Chair of Houghton & Wyton Parish Council (Question 1), Cllr Liam Dewey -Beckett, councillor for Hampton, Huntingdonshire District Council (Question 2), Sarah Hughes, Campaign Officer, on behalf of the Cambridgeshire Sustainable Travel Alliance (Question 6), Richard Wood, Cambridge Area Bus Users (Question 7) and Becca Thomas, Camcycle Communications Officer (Question 8).

The Governance Manager read out Questions 3, 4 and 5 on behalf of those not able to attend.

Questions were taken in the order they were submitted and responses were given by the Chair. Full written responses to the questions would be published on the website after the meeting.

Supplementary questions and comments were as follows:

Question 1 – Richard Wood

Mr Wood sought clarification on the relationship between infrastructure delivery and growth, noting that if infrastructure was intended to follow growth rather than largely precede it, it would be helpful for the Combined Authority to identify which key transport schemes were already fully approved and programmed for delivery, and which remained dependent on future business cases, government funding, or decisions by third parties. He requested, where possible, specific details on the status of individual schemes.

Officer advised that, regarding the detailed status of individual schemes, a written response would be provided. It was further explained that the Committee had previously considered reports relating to the funding of the capital programme and that further work would be brought forward to the September Committee. This work would provide greater clarity on priorities, programme affordability, and the methodology being used to assess and prioritise schemes within the capital programme.

Question 2 – Cllr Liam Dewey-Beckett

Councillor Dewey-Beckett noted that, while no decision was being taken at the meeting regarding changes to the route in question, the wording within the appendices appeared to anticipate service closures. He expressed concern that members of the public could reasonably interpret this as the Committee endorsing the closures despite the ongoing consultation process. Councillor Dewey-Beckett therefore asked whether the Committee agreed that the documentation should make more clearly that no decision had yet been made.

In response, the officer explained that, following recommendations arising from previous committee discussions relating to bus service reviews, officers had been working with consultants to develop a range of technical proposals and options. These proposals were intended to inform the public engagement process by illustrating potential future service arrangements and enabling residents to compare current and possible future provision in light of the agreed framework and value-for-money considerations.

The officer emphasised that no decisions had been made regarding service closures or changes and that the purpose of presenting the proposals was to facilitate meaningful public consultation and gather feedback based on residents’ travel needs. He further indicated that officers would review the specific wording referenced by Councillor Beck.

Question 6 – Sarah Hughes Campaign  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note the Combined Authority’s Forward Plan for June.

RESOLVED

A.    That the Combined Authority Forward Plan be noted.

To receive an update from the Executive Director of Transport on the key activities of the Transport Directorate.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the contents of the report.

The Interim Executive Director, Transport introduced the report which provided the Committee with a general update on the key activities of the Transport Directorate, which were not covered in other reports to this meeting.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    Members welcomed the appointment of a dedicated Executive Director for Transport and expressed support for the establishment of a dedicated transport function within the Combined Authority.

b)    In welcoming the proposed Growth and Housing Accelerator Funding bid and the active travel initiatives outlined in the report, Members requested that any available Walking and Cycling Index data at local authority level be shared with Members through the planned briefing session.

c)    Officers confirmed that Committee members had been invited to the Active Travel Conference scheduled for July and that the Combined Authority was supporting the event in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council. It was also confirmed that the Mayor would be attending.

d)    Officers agreed to provide future updates on the work of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus Strategic Transport Group and circulate a briefing note to members.

e)    The Executive Director advised that the decision not to appoint an Active Travel Commissioner reflected a desire to prioritise funding for delivery programmes. He further confirmed that LEVI funding had been approved for transfer to the relevant highway authorities to support trial schemes and that the Combined Authority would continue working closely with local authority officers to monitor delivery and impacts

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the contents of the report.

ACTIONS:

1.    Any available Walking and Cycling Index data at local authority level to be shared with members through the planned briefing session

2.    Officers to provide future updates on the work of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus Strategic Transport Group and circulate a briefing note to members

To recommend to the CA Board that the allocated spend of proposed Section 106 developer funds be approved and to note the the follow-on work and detailed design of available developer funding into the Network Re-imagining project and the future pipeline of CPCA S106.

It was resolved to:

A    Recommend to the CA Board to approve the allocated spend of proposed Section 106 developer funds, with delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Public Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, subject to further detailed design of service improvements and enhancements.

B    Recommend to the CA Board to approve the award to Stagecoach East with a grant funding agreement (GFA) to maintain the socially necessary route, the Cambridge – Northstowe Citi 5 service, via S106 funding, subject to the successful completion of a subsidy control assessment by the Assistant Director of Public Transport.

C    Recommend to the CA Board to approve the allocated spend of S106 funds within Northstowe and Sawtry, when it relates to ongoing community transport projects with delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Public Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter into grant funding agreements.

D    Note the follow-on work and detailed design of available developer funding into the Network Reimagining project and the future pipeline of CPCA S106 detailed in ‘caseload four’ in s.3.2.

The Vice-Chair, Cllr Beckett took the Chair for this item. Members were informed that contrary to the report which stated that the vote required a simple majority, the special weighted transport voting rules applied for this item, as the matter related to transport related funding.

The Assistant Director Transport introduced the report which sought a decision on approving spend of S106 funds due to the urgency of approaching spending deadlines.

During discussion the following points were noted:  

a)    The City 5 service had historically been supported through Section 106 funding linked to development requirements. Officers explained that Section 106 funding could only be used where there was a clear connection to supporting development so they carefully considered the long-term sustainability of services to avoid creating routes that could not be maintained once funding ended.

b)    Officers advised that a future report would be brought to the Committee on the governance and management of Section 106-funded bus services and that current arrangements were being reviewed and future requirements considered as new developments came forward,

c)    Councillors asked about engagement with local communities and were reassured that officers met regularly with local authorities, parish councils, residents, Homes England and developers but would also consider whether further engagements could be provided.

d)    It was confirmed that officers ensured compliance with the funding agreements and approval processes associated with each scheme.

e)    Officers were working with partner organisations to improve the interface between bus services and Cambridge Railway Station, including enhancements to passenger information and bus stop infrastructure. Further details would be provided to members.

RESOLVED:

Having been proposed by Cllr Beckett and seconded by Cllr Ellis the Committee unanimously resolved to:

A.    Recommend to Board to approve the allocated spend of proposed Section 106 developer funds, with delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Public Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, subject to further detailed design of service improvements and enhancements

B.    Recommend to Board to approve the award to Stagecoach East with a grant funding agreement (GFA) to maintain the socially necessary route, the Citi 5, between Northstowe and Cambridge via S106 funding.

C.   Recommend to Board to approve the allocated spend of S106 funds within Northstowe and Sawtry, when it relates to ongoing community transport projects.

D.   To note the follow-on work and detailed design of available developer funding into the Network Re-imagining project and the future pipeline of CPCA S106 detailed in ‘caseload four’ in s.3.2.

To note the progress made since approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) in March 2026 and the arrangements being established to monitor and report delivery of the LTDP against the Department for Transport’s Local Transport Outcomes Framework and associated funding requirements.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the progress made since approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) in March 2026.

B    Note the arrangements being established to monitor and report delivery of the LTDP against the Department for Transport’s Local Transport Outcomes Framework and associated funding requirements.

C    Note that six-monthly performance and monitoring updates will be brought to the Transport Committee, aligned where possible with wider corporate reporting arrangements.

D    Note the commencement of the Major Capital Programme Review and the proposed approach to reviewing and prioritising the existing programme.

The Assistant Director of Transport introduced the report which provided Members with an update on the ongoing development of the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for 27/28 -29/30, including arrangements for the development of future transport programmes, performance monitoring and reporting requirements associated with the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consolidated Transport funding arrangements.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members emphasised the importance of maintaining consistent and transparent engagement with constituent highway authorities throughout the development and delivery of schemes, particularly those supporting connectivity, housing growth and active travel.

b)    Officers confirmed that the CPCA was working collaboratively with officers from the constituent authorities on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan programme for future years. As major schemes progressed, a working group involving officers from the relevant authorities would be established to oversee methodology and programme development

RESOLVED:

A     To note the progress made since approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) in March 2026

B     To note the arrangements being established to monitor and report delivery of the LTDP against the Department for Transport’s Local Transport Outcomes Framework and associated funding requirements.

C     To note that six-monthly performance and monitoring updates will be brought to the Transport Committee, aligned where possible with wider corporate reporting arrangements.

D     To note the commencement of the Major Capital Programme Review and the proposed approach to reviewing and prioritising the existing programme.

To note progress to date on the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy (GCTS) and the planned route to formal approval in November 2026, and to recommend to the CA Board to approve the accompanying interim technical report as the agreed interim strategic position for the emerging GCTS.

It was resolved to:

A    Note progress to date on the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy (GCTS) and the planned route to formal approval in November 2026, in accordance with the agreed Statement of Intent

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the accompanying interim technical report prepared by Steer as the agreed interim strategic position for the emerging GCTS, recognising that further work will be required in the lead-up to completion in November 2026 (Appendix B).

The Transport Strategy and Policy Manager introduced the report which updated Members on the progress to date on the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy (GCTS) and the planned route to formal approval in November 2026, in accordance with the agreed Statement of Intent. It also sought approval of the accompanying interim technical report prepared by Steer.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members emphasised the importance of the Strategy in supporting the soundness of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan and welcomed the significant work undertaken by officers to meet the required timescales.

b)    Support for the strategy's approach of addressing transport challenges through short-, medium- and long-term interventions was expressed and the inclusion of bus priority measures, active travel proposals and the Movement and Place Framework welcomed.

c)     The importance of improving bus reliability and journey times to encourage modal shift and support sustainable transport objectives was highlighted 

d)    Officers confirmed that an update report would be brought to the Committee in September, ahead of final consideration in November 2026, and that modal shift targets would be considered as part of the final strategy.

e)    Members emphasised the importance of ensuring that sufficient investment and political commitment were provided to support the bus network, given the Strategy’s reliance on public transport.

f)      Concerns regarding the level of member and public engagement during the Strategy’s development were raised and the importance of maintaining meaningful consultation on major strategic projects was stressed.

g)    The Vice-Chair proposed that future iterations of the Strategy should consider the potential impact of emerging technologies, including self-driving vehicles, on transport demand and network planning. Discussion noted both the opportunities and potential challenges associated with self-driving vehicles, particularly in relation to public transport and congestion.

h)    Transport issues affecting communities beyond the Greater Cambridge boundary, particularly those in East Cambridgeshire, with the strategic importance of Ely Junction improvements and the need to address congestion on key routes, including the A14, should be considered.

i)      Officers acknowledged the comments made by Members and confirmed that feedback would be incorporated into the next draft of the Strategy, which would be presented to the Committee in September before returning in final form later in the year.

j)      The Chair reminded Members that the document represented an interim strategic position and that the purpose of the discussion was to inform its ongoing development

RESOLVED:

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Bick, it was unanimously resolved to:

A.     To note progress to date on the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy (GCTS) and the planned route to formal approval in November 2026, in accordance with the agreed Statement of Intent

B.    To recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the accompanying interim technical report prepared by Steer as the agreed interim strategic position for the emerging GCTS (App A).

To note progress to date on the Transport Strategy workstream.

It was resolved to:

A    Note progress to date on the Transport Strategy workstream.

B    Note and provide comment on the Draft Freight Strategy scope.

The Transport Strategy and Policy Manager introduced the report which provided an update on the ongoing development of the local transport strategies that supported delivery of the Combined Authority’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP)

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Councillors referred to the commissioned assessment of Fen Roads and highlighted the significant challenges associated with road deterioration in the Fens, querying how any future programme of improvements could be funded given the scale of the issue. Officers advised that the commissioned study would assess both the extent of the problem and the associated costs and confirmed that further information on the scope of the work and next steps would be reported to the Committee.

b)    Officers confirmed that they would review the Active Travel Strategy and provide further clarification on whether the ambition for active travel to become the natural choice for short journeys remained a core objective.

c)     Members highlighted the importance of adequate freight parking, effective routing of heavy goods vehicles, and supporting freight decarbonisation, and requested that officers ensure engagement with the Greater Cambridge Partnership as part of the Freight Strategy development, noting the organisation's previous work on freight consolidation. Officers confirmed that this would be considered.

d)    Also stressed by Members was the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

e)    In response to Members enquiries, officers agreed to provide further detail on the proposed role and operation of Mobility Hubs with future reports including more detailed updates as the strategies progressed.

f)      The Chair commented on the role of rail freight and noted that, while increasing rail freight capacity was desirable, it was unlikely to result in an overall reduction in road freight due to continuing economic growth and increasing demand for freight movement. He observed that both road and rail freight were likely to grow in future and that transport planning should reflect this reality.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note progress to date on the Transport Strategy workstream

B.    To note and provide comment on the Draft Freight Strategy scope

ACTIONS:

1.     Officers to provide further clarification on whether the ambition for active travel to become the natural choice for short journeys remained a core objective, and to report back to the Committee.

To note the programme plan based on the findings of the commissioned review of community transport and progress to date on individual projects, including disbursement of S106 funding for appropriate projects

It was resolved to:

A    Note the programme plan based on the findings of the commissioned review of community transport and progress to date on individual projects, including disbursement of S106 funding for appropriate projects,

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to continuing to support the local Dial a Ride and Volunteer Car Schemes arrangement through an annual grant funded agreement, and to delegate authority to the Executive Director Transport (including the Interim Executive Director Transport), in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter in the grant funded agreements as detailed in Appendix B: CT Schemes by Parish, and such other agreements as required.

C    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board not to expand the provision of Taxi Voucher provision for which the CPCA has inherited responsibility (the South Cambridgeshire Scheme) and to continue with the current arrangements (subject to means testing of all existing members in 27/28 with no new applications being accepted) and to delegate authority to the Executive Director, Transport (including the Interim Executive Director, Transport) to enter into these agreements on an annual basis, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer

As previously advised, the Vice-Chair, Cllr Beckett took the Chair for this item

The Assistant Director for Public Transport introduced the report which asked the Committee to note the actions being taken in response to the findings of the commissioned final report previously noted at Committee in November 2025, through a programme for Community Transport that incorporates the key outcomes. 

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members raised concerns regarding the exclusion of the Cambridge Taxi Card Scheme from arrangements that had been adopted elsewhere in the Combined Authority area. It was noted that previous discussions had suggested the scheme might be incorporated into the Combined Authority's arrangements and clarification was sought on why this had not occurred. The extent of engagement with Cambridge City Council during the review process was also questioned and an update on proposals to expand access to Dial-a-Ride services as a potential alternative to the Taxi Card Scheme was requested.

b)    In response, the Assistant Director advised that South Cambridgeshire's scheme had historically transferred to the Combined Authority, whereas other schemes had remained under local authority control. He stated that officers would review the historical background and re-engage with Cambridge City Council officers to consider the issue further. It was also confirmed that work was ongoing with Dial-a-Ride providers to explore the introduction of new technology and operational improvements that could support wider accessibility and service provision in the future.

c)     One objective of the Northstowe pilot scheme was to assess whether community transport providers could broaden eligibility and service provision through alternative licensing arrangements. The Assistant Director advised that officers were exploring how successful elements of the pilot could be applied more widely across rural communities, subject to local circumstances and available capacity.

RESOLVED:

On being proposed by Councillor Alex Beckett and seconded by Councillor Tom Sanderson, it was resolved to:

A      Note the programme plan based on the findings of the commissioned review of community transport and progress to date on individual projects, including disbursement of S106 funding for appropriate projects,

B      Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to continuing to support the local Dial a Ride and Volunteer Car Schemes arrangement through an annual grant funded agreement, and to delegate authority to the Executive Director Transport (including the Interim Executive Director Transport), in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter in the grant funded agreements as detailed in Appendix B: CT Schemes by Parish, and such other agreements as required.

C     Recommend to the Combined Authority Board not to expand the provision of Taxi Voucher provision for which the CPCA has inherited responsibility (the South Cambridgeshire Scheme) and to continue with the current arrangements (subject to means testing of all existing members in 27/28 with no new applications being accepted) and to delegate authority to the Executive Director, Transport (including the Interim Executive Director, Transport) to enter into these agreements on an annual basis, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer

To provide Transport Committee members with an update on the ongoing Bus Network Reimagining Project and the emerging proposals developed following the review of selected supported bus services across the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority area.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the progress of the Bus Network Reimagined Project and the emerging network proposals developed as part of the review of supported bus services across the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority area.

B    Note the stakeholder engagement activity undertaken to date, including engagement with neighbouring local authorities, operators and local stakeholders.

C    Note the next stages of work, including ongoing consultation, further affordability assessment and continued development of the proposed network changes.

The Assistant Director Public Transport introduced the report which provided Members with an update on the ongoing Bus network Reimagining Project and the emerging proposals developed following the review of selected supported bus services across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority area.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members expressed concern that the proposed Peterborough orbital service did not fully reflect the previously discussed concept of a comprehensive orbital route connecting all parts of the city. The review of existing services was supported but further work on alternative options and greater engagement with local communities was requested.

b)    Officers advised that the consultation process was intended to gather feedback from residents, passengers and stakeholders to help refine the proposals. It was further stated that the current proposals had been developed using principles set out in the Bus Service Framework, whilst also taking account of existing commercial services and future network development.

c)     Members also commented that the proposed Cambridge orbital service did not constitute a complete orbital route and suggested that a true orbital service could generate additional demand and help reduce congestion in Cambridge.

d)    The Assistant Director acknowledged the similarities between the Peterborough and Cambridge proposals and noted that fully orbital services required significant resources and investment. The proposals sought to balance demand, operational costs and available funding.

e)    Officers advised members that the review had been commissioned following the adoption of the Bus Service Framework and focused on services identified as requiring the most immediate review. The intention was to create a more sustainable network capable of evolving and growing over time.

f)      Officers confirmed that engagement with neighbouring authorities, such as Lincolnshire on the proposals affecting Fenland, would continue and agreed to provide further information on the strengthened strategic links referenced within the report.

g)    In response to Members’ queries, officers confirmed that timetable reliability and journey times were key considerations within the review and reported that engagement with parish and town councils was underway to maximise participation in the consultation.

h)    The Chair noted the importance of balancing cost-effectiveness with maintaining access to public transport, particularly for larger settlements. He also highlighted the need for improved coordination between public bus services and school transport provision and suggested that future arrangements with new unitary authorities could provide opportunities for closer integration. The Chair further encouraged consideration of hybrid models that combined fixed-route services with demand responsive transport where appropriate.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the progress of the Bus Network Reimagined Project and the emerging network proposals developed as part of the review of supported bus services across the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority area.

B.    To note the stakeholder engagement activity undertaken to date, including engagement with neighbouring local authorities, operators and local stakeholders.

C.    To note the next stages of work, including ongoing consultation, further affordability assessment and continued development of the proposed network changes.

ACTIONS:

1.     Officers to provide further information on the strengthened strategic links referenced within the report regarding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To inform members of key findings from the ‘Transport Focus 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey’ for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the key findings from Transport Focus’ 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey, the related improvements being introduced across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for bus users, and the approach to monitoring through Corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The Assistant Director – Public Transport services introduced the report which informed Members of key findings from Transport Focus’ 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey and outlined the Combined authority’s approach to responding to these findings. 

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Officers advised that bus stations had not formed a specific part of the survey but agreed to review the survey methodology and provide further information on the locations where passengers had been surveyed. Officers also acknowledged that questions relating to bus stations could be considered in future iterations of the survey.

b)    All agreed that demonstrating the impact of passenger feedback was important. Officers were seeking to link survey findings directly to improvement programmes and performance measures, enabling the Combined Authority to communicate clearly how feedback had informed investment decisions and service improvements. Survey findings would also be aligned with the Combined Authority's programme of bus stop improvements and other service enhancements. It was further advised that officers were exploring ways of presenting improvements at a local level so that passengers could see the outcomes of their feedback.

RESOLVED:

A.    Members to note the key findings from Transport Focus’ 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey, the related improvements being introduced across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for bus users, and the approach to monitoring through Corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

To note the outturn financial position of the Transport division for the financial year 25/26 and theTransport division budget for the next 4 years updated for approved carry-forwards.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the outturn financial position of the Transport division for the financial year 25/26 and Board approved carry-forwards.

B    Note the Transport division budget for the next 4 years updated for approved carry-forwards.

The Finance Manager introduced the report which provided the outturn position for 25/26 against the 2025/26 budgets.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members raised concerns regarding underspends within the Active Travel revenue and capital programmes and sought clarification on references to programmes being aligned with evolving political priorities. Officers advised that expenditure had been delayed due to project timing and invoicing issues, that some grant funding had been received in advance for future years, and that the Active Travel programme had not been reduced. It was confirmed that approved budgets remained decisions of the Combined Authority Board and that engagement with the Mayor's team formed part of normal programme oversight.

b)    Officers advised that a comprehensive process for approving transport schemes was in place involving detailed business cases, supporting templates and assessment criteria. Schemes were subject to officer assessment, including finance and procurement input, at an internal funding panel, before consideration by the Funding Committee. The relevant governance arrangements and procedures were set out within the Combined Authority’s Constitution and supporting documentation, which would be shared with interested Members.

c)    The Road Safety Fund was being developed through work linked to Vision Zero and could support measures such as safety signage and targeted highway safety interventions.

d)    The Civil Parking Enforcement underspend reflected expenditure slipping into the current financial year, and that further information would be provided outside the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the financial position of the Transport Division for the financial year 25/26 to end of Q4 in March 2026.

ACTIONS:

1.    Officers to provide further information to Members on section 3.4 of the Budget Report concerning Active Travel and the ‘political priorities’.

2.    The governance arrangements for approving transport schemes to be shared with Members

To note the Committee’s Work Programme.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the Transport Committee Work Programme.

RESOLVED:

That the Transport Committee Work Programme be noted.

To note the Mayor’s Independent Review into Implementation Pathways for the CPCA Bus Franchising Scheme and the recommendations set out in the report.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the Mayor’s Independent Review into Implementation Pathways for the CPCA Bus Franchising Scheme and the recommendations set out in the report.

B    In response to the findings of the Independent Review, officers have produced a Strategic Delivery Plan (SDP) to address the key concerns identified. Members are asked to note the plan and provide any feedback or comments.

C    Note the additional work to be undertaken in regard to the development of the SDP (further consultation on Service Permits and changes to the original outline business case).

D    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to delegate authority to the Assistant Director Public Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to procure and enter into contracts for consultant and contractor services required to support bus franchising implementation, including works associated with the development of the Peterborough bus depot

Public Report

The Committee received a presentation from Mr Leon Daniels, Chair of the Independent Review Panel, on the findings of the Independent Review of the Bus Franchising Programme.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    The review had not reconsidered the decision to pursue bus franchising but had instead examined the most appropriate approach to implementation in light of the current Mayor's priorities, changing market conditions and available resources. Members were advised that the review recommended a phased, hybrid approach, combining competitively tendered services with direct awards to enable the Combined Authority to build operational capability while minimising risks to passengers and operators. It was further noted that franchising would provide greater control over routes, fares, service standards and investment decisions, although financial pressures arising from declining patronage would remain regardless of the delivery model.

b)    Members sought clarification on the financial assumptions underpinning the review, including the absence of additional borrowing or increases in the Mayoral precept, and expressed concern that these constraints could lead to reductions in bus services. The importance of maintaining investment in bus services, particularly for communities reliant on public transport, was emphasised.

c)     Mr Daniels advised that successful public transport systems generally relied on significant public investment and that comparisons with other areas were difficult due to differing local circumstances. He confirmed that the review had been undertaken within defined financial parameters and that its recommendations reflected those constraints.

d)    Members expressed support for bus franchising while emphasising the need for sustainable long-term funding and the importance of ensuring that franchising delivered meaningful service improvements. It was noted that the proposed phased approach would enable the Authority to develop expertise while avoiding unnecessary disruption, and that the model would provide significant influence over routes, fares and service standards.

e)    Members also discussed the relationship between investment, congestion and service provision. Mr Daniels advised that improving bus reliability through priority measures, including bus lanes and traffic signal priority, would be essential to improving network efficiency and reducing operating costs, noting that additional subsidy alone would not resolve the challenges created by congestion.

f)      It was noted that technological developments in public transport provision, such as autonomous vehicles, could influence long-term transport planning and potentially reduce operating costs over time.

g)    In conclusion, Members emphasised the importance of using franchising to improve bus services and ensuring that future investment decisions reflected local priorities and community needs. Mr Daniels reiterated that franchising provided a mechanism through which elected members could determine the balance between service levels, investment and wider social outcome.

h)    The Chair thanked Mr Daniels and the Independent Review Panel for their work and noted that the review would provide a valuable basis for future consideration of the Bus Franchising Programme.

To determine whether the public and press be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, as the following item of business has an exempt appendix and the discussion may involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 3 of schedule 12A of the Act; information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The Chair advised Members that consideration of Appendix B – Strategic Delivery Plan would require discussion of exempt information.

Members were therefore invited to consider a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the remainder of the item.

RESOLVED:

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Ellis, it was unanimously resolved:

A.    That the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the next item contained exempt information under Part 1 of Schedule 12A the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and that it would not be in the public interest for this information to be disclosed. The public interest in maintaining the exemption must be deemed to outweigh the public interest in its publication.

Private Session

****The minutes for this item are exempt from publication. ******

At the conclusion of the exempt session:

RESOLVED:

On being proposed by Cllr Boden and seconded by Cllr Ellis it was resolved unanimously to:

A.    To note the Mayor’s Independent Review into Implementation Pathways for the CPCA Bus Franchising Scheme and the recommendations set out in the report.

B.    In response to the findings of the Independent Review, officers have produced a Strategic Delivery Plan (SDP) to address the key concerns identified. Members are asked to note the plan and provide any feedback or comments.

C.    To note the additional work to be undertaken in regard to the development of the SDP (further consultation on Service Permits and changes to the original outline business case).

D.    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to delegate authority to the Assistant Director Public Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to procure and enter into contracts for consultant and contractor services required to support bus franchising implementation, including works associated with the development of the Peterborough bus depot

9 September 2026.

Wednesday, 9 September 2026.