31/10/07 - Rail Link Questions at Full Council

Planning Portfolio Holder Questioned Over Rail Link

Cllr Caroline Nokes today used TVBC's Full Council as an opportunity to question planning portfolio holder Cllr Martin Hatley over what measures Test Valley could take to support the Rail Link Bus.

During the meeting Caroline asked whether section 106 contributions from planning applicants, which were often taken for "non car modes of transport" could in fact be used to make a contribution to the Rail Link.

Cllr Hatley responded that there was certainly the possibility of future S106 contributions being used in this way, but also confirmed that Test valley transport officers were already working with HCC colleagues to try to resolve the problems likely to be faced by commuters.

Speaking after the meeting Caroline Nokes said:

"Whilst this is a commercial service that the operators have chosen to discontinue, we are all very conscious that it plays an important part in the pubic transport network. People along the route will sorely miss this service, and I am hoping that we can find a way for this service to continue.

"I am concerned by comments from users of this service that whilst SWT claim it is not a commercially viable service, there are many instances of passengers being unable to buy their through rail tickets on the bus due to a lack of a working ticket machine, or indeed any ticket machine at all. The passenger numbers look as if they have dropped off dramatically, but I wonder whether we are actually being given an accurate figure."