REFERENCE NETWORK. 8.1 The Parties agree that the initial Reference Network reflects the routes, frequencies and hours of operation of local bus services in Wales prior to COVID-19, specifically as at 29 February 2020 modified by:
8.1.1 any key seasonal variations as demonstrated in the preceding year e.g. a summer tourist timetable; and
8.1.2 any changes to services implemented by agreement with a Local Authority or the Lead Authority prior to the Effective Date.
8.2 The Parties agree that for the purposes of continued improvement in the provision of local bus services in Wales, it will be necessary to develop a revised Reference Network which sets out the target requirements for routes and services to be provided across Wales. The Reference Network shall be developed in accordance with this Agreement, including the provision of services in accordance with clauses 12 to 17 below, as well as any changes to services agreed pursuant to Schedule 1. The Parties agree that the Reference Network shall be developed in respect of each Region in line with the local and regional rankings of the Priorities and in support of a coherent Wales wide Reference Network.
8.3 The Parties, together with other operators in the Region, shall work together to develop a revised Reference Network by 30 June 2021. This network will supersede the initial Reference Network and reflect Regional priorities. As part of developing the revised Reference Network, historical and current passenger demand data will be used to objectively identify the elements of the Reference Network which will require long term Government support. These elements of the Reference Network will be referred to as the "Subsidised Network".
8.4 The development of the Reference Network shall include:
8.4.1 use of data provided by all parties with an interest in the provision of bus services within the Region, including operators, Lead Authorities, Local Authorities, TfW and Welsh Government;
8.4.2 consideration of regional strategic Priorities for the provision of Local Services;
8.4.3 examination of existing routes;
8.4.4 exploration of options for new routes;
8.4.5 the viability and affordability of the proposed routes; and
8.4.6 consideration of investment or other measures that may be required to support any revised Reference Network.
8.5 The Lead Authority shall manage compliance with the Reference Network in accordance with the requirements set out in Schedule 1.
8.6 As part of the development of the Reference Network, the Oper...
