Written question WQ86538

Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) are separate corporate bodies which can directly employ staff, hold assets and budgets, and be directly responsible for exercising functions. One of these functions is to produce Regional Transport Plans for their area. These plans will set out an integrated approach to public transport within the region, which will include the region’s approach to taxis. Although it would not be appropriate to comment on specific areas it is clear that taxis will need to form a key part of CJC plans due to their unique offering. Taxis provide flexibility in terms of the first and last mile of a journey, their ability to link up with other modes of public transport and their round the clock availability. They are of particular importance to certain sections of society and the night-time economy and can help fill gaps in public transport provision. If integrated well into regional plans taxis present a good opportunity for people to reconsider their need for a second car and thereby encourage modal shift. Guidance for Regional Transport Plans is currently being developed and will be published in the new year.

In order to fulfil their responsibilities and duties effectively, CJCs will need to, and be expected to, actively involve others in their work. This will include those responsible for planning and delivering transport within their region, including taxi services.