Post by wirewiper on Jan 19, 2024 17:42:45 GMT
The Department for Transport (DfT) has advised Local Transport Authorities in England outside London that they should update their BSIPs (Bus Service Improvement Plans. An updated 2024 BSIP will be a condition of release for any BSIP funding for the 2024/2025 financial year. The revised BSIPs should be received by 12th June.
The original BSIPs produced in 2021 were intended as a "bidding tool" for funding. Since them more money has been made available through BSIP+ - which is now being referred to as BSIP Phase 2 - and further funds have been diverted from the cancellation of the High Speed 2 rail line north of Birmingham, which are referred to a BSIP Phase 3. The DfT therefore notes that BSIP funding is now available to all English Local Transport Authorities.
2024 BSIPs should “set out a realistic and attractive plan which explains clearly what will have been delivered by the end of 2024/25 and… a ‘shop window’ of ambitions and proposals for the years after 2025.” The guidance also suggests that LTAs and operators should jointly address staff shortages, including plans to identify depots with high vacancy rates and work with Job Centres and the Department of Work and Pensions to recruit and train new staff.
A further BSIP update is likely needed in 2025, beyond that BSIP funding is more likely to be synchonised with Government multi-year spending plans.
www.route-one.net/news/update-to-original-bus-service-improvement-plan-work-is-called-for/
The original BSIPs produced in 2021 were intended as a "bidding tool" for funding. Since them more money has been made available through BSIP+ - which is now being referred to as BSIP Phase 2 - and further funds have been diverted from the cancellation of the High Speed 2 rail line north of Birmingham, which are referred to a BSIP Phase 3. The DfT therefore notes that BSIP funding is now available to all English Local Transport Authorities.
2024 BSIPs should “set out a realistic and attractive plan which explains clearly what will have been delivered by the end of 2024/25 and… a ‘shop window’ of ambitions and proposals for the years after 2025.” The guidance also suggests that LTAs and operators should jointly address staff shortages, including plans to identify depots with high vacancy rates and work with Job Centres and the Department of Work and Pensions to recruit and train new staff.
A further BSIP update is likely needed in 2025, beyond that BSIP funding is more likely to be synchonised with Government multi-year spending plans.
www.route-one.net/news/update-to-original-bus-service-improvement-plan-work-is-called-for/