Faversham Town Council is seeking to establish a Faversham Bus Users Forum to provide a structured, inclusive platform for residents, stakeholders, and transport providers to discuss local bus services and work collaboratively to improve bus services in Faversham.
In recent years, bus services nationally and locally have faced challenges including service reductions, reliability issues, changing travel patterns, and financial pressures. At the same time there is growing emphasis on sustainable transport, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting healthy, inclusive communities.
The aims of the Forum include:
- Represent the views and experiences of bus users in Faversham
- Provide constructive feedback on bus services, including routes, timetables, reliability, accessibility, and fares
- Act as a consultative body for the Town Council on bus and wider transport-related matters
- Facilitate dialogue between bus users, bus operators, Kent County Council, and other stakeholders
- Support the Town Council’s objectives around sustainability, accessibility, and community wellbeing (including work on becoming age friendly)
- Encourage greater use of bus services by identifying barriers and promoting good practice
Membership will be open and inclusive, and may include:
- Local residents who use or wish to use bus services
- Representatives of community groups and voluntary organisations
- Town Councillors
- Representatives from bus operators (by invitation)
- Representatives from Kent County Council or other relevant bodies by invitation
The Forum should aim to reflect a broad range of users, including different age groups, mobility needs, and include users from all parts of the town.
- The Forum has a terms of reference agreed by the Active Travel Committee and Full Council.
- Meetings will be held quarterly, hybrid/in-person (normally at The Guildhall).
- A Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, to be elected from among Forum members.
- Administrative support with agendas and notes shared electronically where possible.
- Key issues and recommendations to be reported to the Active Travel Committee for consideration.
