Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report sets out options for the award of local bus contracts following a competitive tendering exercise.

Members will be asked to give consideration to options for local bus services currently operating with financial support from the Council, in light of the budget currently allocated to this area.

Resolved:  (i)      That the content of the report be noted.

(ii)      That the award of contracts to the winning bidder in respect of routes 11, 14, 19, 20, 21, 24/25/26 and 26 (evening) be approved.

(iii)     That the award of a contract for route 10 (evening) be declined, on the understanding that this will be operated commercially at no cost to the council.

(iv)    That the award of a contract for route 15 (currently part of route 12) be delayed until further negotiations have taken place with the operators.

(v)     That authority to make the final decision on route 15 (currently part of route 12) be delegated to the Assistant Director of Transport, Highways and the Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport.

(vi)    That the additional costs of the tender exercise, to be funded from additional resources identified in the budget amendment agreed by Council on 17 July 2019, be noted.

Reason:     To ensure that all residents retain access to a similar level of bus services as are currently available to them, at the best possible value to the council.