Road transport services

Tender description

The Council: — Seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified economic operators to be appointed as a Concessionaire for the provision of the existing weekday Taunton Park and Ride Passenger Transport Service; — Intends to advertise a Concession Notice in accordance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 to invite applications. The indicative date for the Contract Notice is 1.8.2016; — Will entrust the provision and management of the service to the Concessionaire who will have the right to exploit the service and parking sites. The Concessionaire: — Accepts the transfer of operating risk in exploiting the service, where income is derived from passenger fare collection and subject to fluctuations in demand; — Will be responsible for the commercial operation and development of the service during the period of the Concession Contract. To note — the current subsidy model will cease — the Concessionaire will be responsible for all operating costs and risks. Procedure: — Economic operators (candidates) are requested to express interest following publication of this notice on the buyer profile: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk — Candidates will be requested to complete a response to the procurement ‘Concession Document’ to be considered for selection and award; — The Award of any contract will be to the tender that offers overall economic advantage to the Council. Indication of needs and requirements: — Operation of a passenger transport service (bus) between 2 parking sites, Taunton Gateway and Silk Mills, through Taunton Town Centre; — Operation of service as a minimum Monday to Friday, with a Saturday service desired; — Opportunity to exploit planned developments at M5 Junction 25, Comeytrowe, Firepool and inclusion of Richard Huish College and County Cricket Ground. A significant proportion of the estimated value of the concession is given over to these areas; — Contract Duration up to 5 years.