Decision details

To award a contract to provide local bus services on a number of routes, principally to the north of Bracknell.

1          A contract for operation of buses as follows, as specified in the invitation to tender, be awarded to the company submitting the lowest tender:

                        BFC 46 : Bracknell – Binfield

                        BFC 47 : Bracknell – Bullbrook

                        BFC 48 : Bracknell – Ascot

                        BFC 49 : Bracknell – Wokingham

                        BFC 50 : Bracknell – Winkfield

                        BFC 51 : Bracknell – Wexham Park Hospital

                        BFC 52 : Bracknell – Bullbrook / Binfield / Warfield (early evening)

                        BFC 53 : Bracknell – The Parks

                        BFC 54 : Bracknell – Warfield

2          The combined bid for operation of the above services as a single contract from the contractor identified in the confidential annexe (available to members of The Executive only) be accepted.

While other bidders offered the lowest compliant individual price for each contract, the recommended contractor’s price for operation of all the contracts at a combined price offers a significant saving compared to the individual lowest bids for the contracts, and a saving over any other operator’s similar combined bid.

The tender submitted meets the requirements of the specification in the most cost effective manner.

These services contribute towards a number of the Council’s medium term objectives, i.e.

1          “To build a vibrant Bracknell town centre that residents and businesses are proud of by … improving access to the new town centre by providing … more buses “

3          “To promote sustainable housing and infrastructure development by Implementing the Local Transport Plan “

7          “Seek to ensure that every resident feels included and able to access the services they need”

9          “To promote independence and choice for vulnerable adults and older people”

The Departmental Service Plan includes a commitment to implement the Local Transport Plan, and recognises the performance indicator NI177 (local bus journeys made in the Borough.)  Approximately 318,000 passenger journeys per year (17 % of the bus journeys made in the Borough) are made using these services.

Acceptance of a higher priced tender offers no significant benefits to passengers.

Failure to let a contract will result in the loss of local bus service provision to many parts of the Borough, including rural areas, and to urban areas with a high concentration of senior citizens.  Failure to let a contract will also risk the loss of external funding in the form of Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and contributions from neighbouring authorities, and will breach the planning agreement in respect of The Parks.

For each service, the option for operators to suggest alternative timetables was offered, and for many routes, quotes were also sought for an ‘Option B’ which involved a reduction to the existing timetable, in case the current level of service could not be continued within the existing budget.  In the event, the recommended contractor’s bid is for ‘Option A’ for all services, and (with the exception of The Parks) no change to existing routes or timetables is proposed.  Since this can be met within the existing budget, and no lower bids for an ‘Option B’ network were received, there is no direct need to consider service reductions.  However, accepting service reductions and reducing costs further is an alternative that Members might consider.

None.