BUZZ 42 Bus Service

Tender description

Reading Borough Council (RBC) is inviting tenders from qualified operators for the provision of the BUZZ 42 public Bus Service. The current service runs from Kenavon Drive to Rivermead and operates Monday to Saturday, from 0600 (0700 on Saturday) to 1915 (approx.). The current service and timetable represent the base service for the contract is the minimum level of service to be provided by the operator. RBC has secured funding to deliver an enhanced Buzz 42 service as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The enhanced service will consist of an extended route to include additional stops in Tilehurst, a more frequent service that includes a Sunday service. It is anticipated that the enhanced service will be delivered using either a two or three bus timetable and therefore this tender is offered over 2 Lots to cover both options. Bidders are encouraged to bid for both Lots. The value of the contract will depend on the level of funding secured and the take up of options. Lot 1: Lot 1 - Base service with enhanced service delivered to 2 bus timetable Reading Borough Council (RBC) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified operators for the provision of the BUZZ 42 public Bus Service. The current BUZZ 42 service runs from Kenavon Drive to Rivermead and is in operation from Monday to Saturday from approximately 0600 (0700 on Saturday) to approximately 1915.The current service and timetable represents the base service for this contract and will be the minimum level of service to be provided by the operator throughout the contract period. RBC has secured funding to deliver an enhanced Buzz 42 service as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The enhanced service will consist of an extended route to include additional stops in Tilehurst, a more frequent service that includes a Sunday service. It is anticipated that the enhanced service will be delivered using either a two or three bus timetable. Given the two delivery options, this tender is offered over two Lots. This Lot 1 is for the base service with the enhanced service delivered using a two bus timetable. RBC has lotted this tender in order obtain prices for both route options via a competitive process. RBC intends to award to one Lot only. Lot selection will depend on the prices submitted during the tender process and the level of budget available. Bidders can submit bids for either or both Lots, although RBC would like to encourage bidders to consider submitting a bid for both Lots. Each Lot is offered on a gross cost basis.The Bus Service must comply with all regulations for Bus provision as covered under the operator’s licence provided by the Traffic Commissioner.The contract is estimated to start on 2nd January 2024 and will run for an initial term that expires on 1st January 2027, with the option to extend by up to 2 further years in increments to be agreed.The value of this contract is estimated to be in the region of £671,000 to £1.2million, depending on the Lot selected and the take up of extensions. Lot 2: Lot 2 - Base service with enhanced service delivered to a 3 bus timetable Reading Borough Council (RBC) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified operators for the provision of the BUZZ 42 public Bus Service. The current BUZZ 42 service runs from Kenavon Drive to Rivermead and is in operation from Monday to Saturday from approximately 0600 (0700 on Saturday) to approximately 1915.The current service and timetable represents the base service for this contract and will be the minimum level of service to be provided by the operator throughout the contract period. RBC has secured funding to deliver an enhanced Buzz 42 service as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The enhanced service will consist of an extended route to include additional stops in Tilehurst, a more frequent service that includes a Sunday service. It is anticipated that the enhanced service will be delivered using either a two or three bus timetable. Given the two delivery options, this tender is offered over two Lots. This Lot 2 is for the base service with the enhanced service delivered using a three bus timetable. RBC has lotted this tender in order obtain prices for both route options via a competitive process. RBC intends to award to one Lot only. Lot selection will depend on the prices submitted during the tender process and the level of budget available. Bidders can submit bids for either or both Lots, although RBC would like to encourage bidders to consider submitting a bid for both Lots. Each Lot is offered on a gross cost basis.The Bus Service must comply with all regulations for Bus provision as covered under the operator’s licence provided by the Traffic Commissioner.The contract is estimated to start on 2nd January 2024 and will run for an initial term that expires on 1st January 2027, with the option to extend by up to 2 further years in increments to be agreed.The value of this contract is estimated to be in the region of £671,000 to £1.2million, depending on the Lot selected and the take up of extensions.