Agenda item

Chair for Transport & Infrastructure Committee

Councillor Anna Smith, Lead Member for Transport and Infrastructure and Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, in attendance at the meeting to respond to questions from the Committee.

Decision:

The Committee received a verbal update from the Chair for Transport & Infrastructure Committee.

Minutes:

The Committee received a verbal update from the Chair for Transport & Infrastructure Committee.

 

The Committee members had submitted areas of interest prior to the meeting which the Chair responded to.

 

Transport programme – are there any delays and actions taken to address cost overruns or slippage

 

The CPCA has maintained a consistent and proactive approach to collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding transport works, including TCF - Transforming Cities Fund. We have held regular update meetings, ensuring clear communication at every stage, and included key delivery partners, such as CCC and PCC.

 

Through our quarterly reporting templates to DfT and associated meetings, we’ve been transparent about any delays or overruns, outlining the mitigations and risk management actions we’ve implemented.  Our efforts have been positively acknowledged by the DfT and their independent assessors, who have provided both verbal and written feedback commending our communication and delivery to date.

 

Two key projects, Fengate and March Area Transport Study construction schemes have been successfully completed. Thanks to an underspend and with the DfT’s agreement, we were able to extend the funding deadline, allowing us to take on additional tasks that further enhanced the schemes. This demonstrates our ability to not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring that we deliver added value wherever possible.

 

Delays can occur for a variety of reasons and of course in capital programmes in particular.  In some cases, this is where a business case has been developed and then used to try to secure funding from Government and this as not been successful or indeed not been  resolved.  For instance on Ely Junction, we know the business case is well regarded and some indications were given of funding from HS2 cancellation so we do not yet have the money to progress.  This is disappointing but we continue to push but it does also have knock on effects on other projects e.g. Snailwell Loop which ant go ahead until the junction is updated.  In other cases there are issues where business cases have to be updated for new Government guidance and also that complex business cases do take time to development for multi-million projects.  In other cases there can be issues arising on site from weather, ecology, archaeology and contractor issues and we continue to consider how we can improve our risk management of these issues working with our partner authorities.

 

New Government policy on transport and how this is having an impact on our programme

 

The Combined Authority is actively engaging with government transport policies to ensure that our strategies align with national objectives, while addressing local needs. Considering the recent shifts in government policy, particularly regarding sustainability and connectivity, we are continuing to focus on developing initiatives that promote active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance public transport options – in line with our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

By closely following government guidelines and funding opportunities, we can better position ourselves to secure resources that will facilitate infrastructure improvements and support economic growth in our communities.

One significant impact of government policy on transport is the emphasis on decarbonisation. The Combined Authority is committed to promoting greener transport solutions, such as electric vehicles, cycling, and walking, in response to national targets. We are investing in the expansion of cycling infrastructure, improved pedestrian pathways, and electric vehicle charging points through the LEVI funding opportunity, all of which contribute to a more sustainable transport network. This not only aligns with government objectives but also enhances the quality of life for residents by providing cleaner and healthier travel options.

Really positive shift in relationship – move to greater equality. Plus positivity of mission-led approach. Additionally, government policies aimed at improving regional connectivity strengthen partnerships with neighbouring local authorities, transport operators and sub-national transport bodies such as Transport East and EEH. By collaborating on integrated transport solutions, we can jointly influence to achieve shared goals and create a more cohesive and efficient network that facilitates seamless travel across the region. This cooperation is essential in addressing congestion and ensuring that our transport system supports economic growth and accessibility for all residents.

 

A141 update 

 

The A141 project has reached an exciting and pivotal stage, with the first public engagement launched on 16th October. This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to deliver a transformative project for the region.

 

The A141 and St Ives Improvements Study considers the upgrading of the transport network on the A141 corridor and around Huntingdon and St Ives. Through the improvements outlined within the study, the Combined Authority aim to support local and long-distance travel. Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) has been commissioned to deliver an Outline Business Case (OBC). The Combined Authority is the project sponsor, and the decisions are made through the Transport and Infrastructure Committee. 

 

The CPCA has been working closely and collaboratively with CCC and HDC, ensuring full transparency throughout the process. We have made it a priority to engage key stakeholders, providing them with timely updates and opportunities to contribute to the programme and its outputs. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the project but also ensures that we are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.

 

March – Wisbech Rail update 

 

Network Rail successfully delivered its Strategic Option Appraisal Report, along with cost and economic advice documents, to the CPCA in April/May 2024.

 

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of these important outputs, it was agreed that FDC members and officers would receive a briefing before we formally report back to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee (TIC). Although the FDC briefing was initially delayed due to the general election and FDC availability over the summer, I am pleased to share that the briefing has now taken place.

 

TIC were unanimous in its continued support for Wisbech Rail .The discussion at TiC agreed that a rescoping of the work would be helpful to consider the wider benefits and the connectivity with the Fens Reservoir development, Chatteris and wider growth of the area.  Options for this will be brought back to committee in spring.  It was noted that the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) is very low as presented for heavy and light rail options and this is a key part of any funding decisions. Plus looking at short term measures.

 

Digital connectivity – does energy hold back the roll out of AI 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise our transport system, enhancing efficiency, improving safety, and providing personalised travel experiences for users. By leveraging data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modelling, AI can optimise traffic management, streamline public transport operations, and facilitate better decision-making in transport planning. These advancements could lead to more responsive and sustainable transport networks that adapt to real-time demand, ultimately improving the overall quality of service for commuters and reducing environmental impacts.

However, the successful rollout of AI in our transport sector may be hindered by the current energy challenges facing the region. As AI technologies require substantial computational power, the availability of reliable energy sources is crucial for supporting their deployment and operation. Limited energy capacity or frequent disruptions could impede the implementation of AI-driven solutions, delaying the enhancements to our transport offerings.

To fully realise the benefits of AI, it is essential for the region to address these energy constraints, ensuring that we can support the technological advancements needed to create an efficient and sustainable transport network. By working in partnership to develop robust energy infrastructure, we can pave the way for innovative transport solutions that benefit all residents and contribute to our wider sustainability goals.  Therefore, the Combined Authority will continue to work with its partners to address the energy challenge within the region (as outlined within the recent IDF report and the emerging work on the Local Growth Plan).

 

Monitoring and evaluation development 

 

The Strategic Transport team is actively collaborating with the Policy, Insight, and Performance team at the Combined Authority to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of both the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) and various transport projects. This partnership is focused on ensuring our strategies are data-driven and effective in meeting our objectives.

 

Key actions currently underway include:

• Enhanced Resource Allocation: We have successfully recruited and onboarded additional specialist performance management and evaluation resources within the Chief Executive's Office to bolster our efforts.

• New Evidence Base Development: A comprehensive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough State of the Region evidence base was approved by the Combined Authority Board (CAB) for approval on 16th October. This evidence base includes several contextual indicators that will enhance our understanding of transport and connectivity in the region.

• Framework Refresh: The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is being refreshed to align with the Single Assurance Framework (SAF), with a plan to present this for CAB approval in  March 2025.

• LTCP Review: We are reviewing the LTCP monitoring and evaluation plan, aiming to present our findings and recommendations to the January Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

• TCF Scheme Review: A thorough review of the monitoring and evaluation of Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) schemes is currently in progress.

• SAF Implementation: The SAF implementation includes robust data collection, monitoring, and evaluation planning throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring evaluations are conducted post-completion where appropriate.

• Business Case Integration: All transport business cases, whether at the outline or full stage, now include a proposed programme for monitoring and evaluation, linking closely with the refreshed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and establishing a forward-looking programme of works for 1- and 5-year post-scheme reviews.

• Coordination with Highway Authorities: We have begun discussions with Highway Authorities to improve data sharing and coordination of monitoring efforts in our role as the Transport Authority.

• Collaborative Evaluation Planning: The Policy, Insight and Performance Team, in partnership with the Public Transport Team, is developing an evaluation plan for the new and improved bus routes funded through the additional precept investment.

 

Bus reform

 

• The bus franchising consultation is now past the halfway stage and due to conclude on November 20th, 2024.

• Engagement in the region has continued with statutory consultees, protected characteristic groups and drop-in sessions at various locations.