RMBC-JPS-RUNNYMEDE SCHOOL TRANSPORT CONTRACT

Tender description

Runnymede Borough Council are inviting tenders for the provision of a school transport service. The Runnymede Business Partnership, comprising local businesses, education establishments, Surrey Police and Runnymede Borough Council, introduced the American style Yellow School Bus service in 2002. The home to school service was introduced as part an initiative by the Business partnership to help bring about a reduction in peak hour travel. This came from a specific request from the local business community to seek a mechanism for reducing traffic congestion that was having a serious impact on their business operations. The service, coordinated by Runnymede Borough Council that is neither a Transport nor Education Authority, was introduced as part of a package of measures (cycle shelter provision and walking buses) to encourage a reduction in the use of the car for the school run. The current service is operated as part of a partnership between the participating schools, parents, students, the bus company, the Borough Council and business sponsors. The buses are currently hired by the Council from a single supplier operating an American-style Yellow Bus service using dedicated drivers. The Council liaises with the schools to plot the routes, ensuring that students are picked up from within 300m metres of their home. The schools coordinate with the parents to book their children's places, collect fares and to deal with day to day administrative matters. Once the students are on the bus they are effectively under school discipline and any appropriate incidents are reported to the school. Surrey Police have also been key stakeholders in operating the service.