Market Intelligence - Network Bus Solution

Tender description

Milton Keynes Council is preparing to retender all of its existing contracted bus services. The current contracts are due end in October 2020. A dynamic purchasing system is being put in place for the tender process, however we wanted to take this opportunity to see if there is a viable, network wide alternative to simply replacing traditional bus services. We therefore invite interest from operators holding PSV, taxi or private hire licenses that could put forward a network wide solution to compliment a commercial bus network. Key considerations: Traditional buses, Demand Responsive shared vehicles or a mix of both are acceptable in the solution Accessible vehicles must be available where needed. Where demand responsive solutions are proposed, technology to summon vehicles must be widely accessible for all. The Council has a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and any proposal will need to show how this aim is being supported The Council would likely seek to reduce the amount of subsidy year on year so any solution should be working towards being self sustaining in the long term. Where operations utilising taxi and private licenses are proposed we would expect licenses to be obtained from Milton Keynes Council, in order to ensure vehicles and drivers comply with locally determined standards. Any solution must have the capability of operating Borough wide but not compete with the commercial bus network. Payment systems must be compatible with MK Council's ITSO smart ticket platform, powered by Swift. Maximum fares should be set by the Council This is an open call for interest which is expected to lead to constructive dialogue in order for a full specification to be developed, if it is deemed that this approach is viable. To express an interest, please email mark.culley@milton-keynes.gov.uk