Decision - Permission to tender for supported bus network

2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm authorises the competitive tendering process to begin based on the proposed routes contained in Appendix 2.

2.2       That a report be brought to a future Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting for consideration once tenders from prospective contractors have been analysed and recommendations for the future Supported Local Bus Network have been formulated.

To ensure that a suitable supported bus network procured by competitive tendering is available throughout the City.

To secure the most cost effective supported bus network across the whole City.

The Council does not have an in-house bus fleet to support the requirements of operating the supported bus network. In order to set up such an operation there would need to be a full evaluation of the legal, practical and financial issues.  It is possible, but unlikely, that such an arrangement could deliver a similarly priced service to that which the Council has been receiving through contracting. However it should be noted that this option would require the provision of significant capital investment, additional HR, finance and payroll support beyond the service itself.  There would also be a need for more direct involvement in day to day management and staff management rather than monitoring of the contract as at present.