The Environment Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of transport initiatives, including bus services, bus rapid transit, and active travel projects. The committee was also set to review reports on the Executive Director's activities, performance data, and climate leadership efforts.

Bus Services

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of bus services in Gloucestershire, with a particular focus on evening services. Discussions were also planned around The Robin, a demand-responsive transport service, which members were due to visit in February. The report indicated that demand for The Robin had seen significant growth, with a year-on-year increase of 85.8% in trips during 2025. The report also outlined the financial and operational rationale for maintaining the national 09:30 start time for disabled concessionary travel passes, noting that extending this would incur significant additional costs and potential capacity pressures.

Bus Rapid Transit Development

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development, formerly known as mass rapid transit. The BRT system is intended to cater for higher volume, short to medium length journeys and fill a gap between traditional bus services and heavy rail. Key components of the BRT include higher frequency services, zero-emission vehicles, enhanced bus priority measures, and higher quality stops and interchanges. The report highlighted that bus patronage has struggled to recover from a significant drop during lockdown, and a projected increase in traffic between 2025 and 2060 could lead to further congestion. The development of the BRT is being approached incrementally, with a focus on delivering quick win projects alongside developing a long-term business case.

Active Travel - Gloucestershire Cycle Spine

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on Gloucestershire's Cycle Spine, a 26-mile route designed to create a continuous link between major areas of Gloucester and Cheltenham, and communities in between. The development of the Cycle Spine has adhered to the Department for Transport's Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20) principles, which emphasise separation between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. By the end of February 2026, half of the 26-mile route was expected to be completed. The report noted that on the earliest completed sections, cycle usage had already more than doubled compared to pre-COVID levels. Future plans include developing the remaining sections of the Cycle Spine and identifying further local connections.

Active Travel - Footway Repairs

An update was scheduled on the Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The current ROWIP, published in 2011, runs until 2026 and requires review and republication to ensure compliance with statutory duties. The review aims to assess the current condition and adequacy of the Public Rights of Way (PROW) network, identify barriers to access, and ensure priorities align with current best practice and local needs. A public and stakeholder engagement programme was planned for February and March 2026 to inform the drafting of the new ROWIP, which is intended to be published by December 2026.

Executive Director's Report: Economy, Environment & Infrastructure

This report was to be taken as read, with members encouraged to submit questions in advance. The report covered progress and proposals across various areas within the Economy, Environment & Infrastructure directorate. Key updates included progress on the M5 Junction 10 project, the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, and structural maintenance works on the A40 London Road. The report also detailed updates on traffic and transport matters, including Definitive Map Modification Orders, streetworks, average speed cameras, and road safety initiatives. It also provided information on the She's Electric campaign, Voi scooters, and the Bikeability programme.

Q3 Performance Data

This item was also to be taken as read. The report provided performance data for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The provided documents indicated that two strategic risks were rated as Moderate : SR12.1, concerning the failure to mitigate and adapt to a more volatile climate, and SR14.1, relating to securing sufficient funding and delivering sustainable infrastructure to drive growth.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire

The committee was scheduled to note the minutes from the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire meeting held in November. The minutes indicated that the November meeting was postponed until December due to scheduling conflicts. The report detailed updates on various themes, including Energy, Adaptation, and Waste, with specific actions and progress noted. Discussions also covered the Greener Gloucester Action Fund, the integration of climate change into Local Government Reorganisation, and National Lottery bids for a circular economy hub and community energy projects. The transport theme highlighted that transport accounts for a significant portion of CO2 emissions, and while electric vehicles are central to decarbonisation, they are not progressing fast enough to meet 2030 targets.

Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to review its work plan and suggest items for future consideration. It was noted that the next meeting on 4 March 2026 would run from 10 am to 3 pm to accommodate the full agenda. A member's trip on The Robin service was confirmed to take place in February. The work plan outlined future themes including Highways and Transport, Waste, Land Use, Management and Strategy, and Road Safety.