West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) received additional BSIP+ funding from the Department for Transport to enhance local bus services. This funding stemmed partly from the cancelled HS2 Birmingham-Manchester leg and was not guaranteed long-term. WNC wanted to direct some of this investment into projects that helped to assess the current use of buses and opportunities. The Brackley area was the first of these projects.
To ensure the funding delivered lasting benefits, WNC required a strategic, community-informed approach to identify local transport needs while managing expectations. This initiative built upon the 2023 Strategic Bus Review.
GO Travel Solutions (GTS) led the Phase 1 pilot project in Brackley and surrounding villages. The goal was to develop and test a community engagement model that could be applied in other communities of across West Northamptonshire and potentially applied to key workplaces (e.g. Northampton General Hospital).
Project objectives
- Maximise the impact of BSIP+ funding by identifying and recommending cost-effective public transport improvements that address community needs and increase ridership.
- Identify and evaluate viable public transport enhancements for the Brackley area.
- Develop a replicable community engagement methodology to inform future transport investments across West Northamptonshire.
Solutions
Solutions delivered
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1. Defining the area & community
- Mapped the Brackley area (initially a 3-5 mile radius, refined based on transport links, population, and access needs).
- Identified included/excluded locations and local community groups, networks, and communication channels.
2. Public transport assessment
- Reviewed existing and planned transport services, including buses, rail, and community transport.
- Assessed the viability of community transport solutions, particularly for health-related travel.
3. Stakeholder engagement
- Engaged local stakeholders (e.g. Parish Councils, community groups, transport providers) to establish a network for engagement.
4. Funding & policy analysis
- Researched potential funding sources, including contributions from Parish Councils.
- Analysed relevant transport policies to align with funding opportunities.
5. Community engagement strategy
- Created a dedicated project webpage with an online survey, promoted via QR codes, leaflets, and social media.
- Hosted in-person and online meetings to gather insights.
- Established a dedicated phone line for accessibility.
- Targeted existing and potential bus users for maximum participation.
6. Feedback evaluation
- Analysed community feedback against existing transport services, mapping gaps and identifying unmet needs.
7. Options review & development
- Explored feasible transport improvements, including service types, frequencies, and partnership opportunities.
- Identified options to support bus service enhancements.
8. Report development
- Produced a comprehensive final report outlining findings, recommendations, and costed transport solutions.
- Documented lessons learned for future applications.
9. Ongoing project review
- Conducted regular project review meetings to track progress and refine approaches.
Impact & outcomes
- 722 individual survey responses were collected:
- 11% under 30 years old
- 42% aged 30-59
- 44% aged 60+
- 66% had not used public transport in the last 4 weeks. 89% said they would use more public transport if it was available.
- 17 responses were from organisations, including large employers in the area, Parish Councils and education establishments.
- Based on community feedback and the transport assessment, the final report recommended a multi-faceted approach to enhance public transport in Brackley and surrounding villages. Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced Inter-Urban Connectivity
- Strengthened Village Connections
- Creation of a Brackley Interchange
- Active Travel Integration
- Leveraging School Transport
- Enhanced Communication and Promotion
Next steps?
- Refining the engagement model based on Brackley’s insights.
- Applying the methodology across other West Northamptonshire communities.
- Responding to the recommendations of the study.
