Archived decisions

Contact: Colin Wright, tel 01962 846923 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report:

(i) details the outcome of tenders for local bus services in the Totton and Waterside tendering area (local services and inter-urban services to Southampton); and

(ii) proposes a plan of action to ensure advanced planning for those services primarily provided for school children whilst tenders are sought in respect of others services.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That approval be given to award tenders for new four year bus subsidy contracts for the Totton and Waterside area at a cost of £103,090 per annum in respect of services primarily provided for school children.

3. Approach

3.1 The recent approach across Hampshire has been to undertake an area passenger transport review. In the Totton and Waterside area, the review was overtaken by commercially-led enhancements in April 2006 and subsequent commercial withdrawals in February 2007 and February 2008. The latter changes lead to an increase equivalent to £85,294 per annum for the retention, until re-tendering, of previously commercial services which would otherwise have been withdrawn.

4. The Totton and Waterside Area Tendering Process and Outcome

4.1 The current subsidy contracts for the Totton and Waterside area have a combined value of £536,114 per annum.

4.2 A total of 28 bus or coach operators were invited to bid for tenders; four requested and were sent details of the contracts.

4.3 Tenders were received from Wilts & Dorset and Bluestar, First, Black Velvet Travel and Somerfield Coaches. Tenders were received on 25 April 2008 and included non-compliant tenders for some routes so it has been decided to re-tender these to commence on 1 September 2008.

4.4 Compliant tenders were received in respect of those services primarily provided for school children and it is proposed that these be awarded to allow advance planning for the new school year.

4.5 The outcome of the tendering exercise in respect of these services is as follows:

Existing New

Contracts Tenders

£ £

Total value of contracts 136,896 103,090

Cost to Hampshire 136,896 103,090

Reduction to Hampshire (budget saving) £33,806

Reduction to Hampshire as a percentage 24.7%

4.6 A competitive tender from First for a number of school services for fare-paying passengers and a reduction in price from Wilts & Dorset will help offset upward pressures on contract prices. First proposes to de-register the routes concerned as local bus services and to convert them to Yellow Bus operation as operated in a number of other parts of Hampshire, including the Home to School pilot project in Basingstoke.

5. Impact Assessments

5.1 It is considered that the actions outlined above should not have any detrimental impact on equalities or race discrimination.

6. Conclusion

6.1 Overall, the effect of this stage of the tendering process will enable detailed planning of services primarily provided for school children in advance of the new school year, whilst other services are subject to further tender.

1628Rpt/CW