Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet notes the background information set out in this report, and following consideration of the results of the procurement process, award the contracts to the operators as set out in the Part 2 report.

Reasons for Decisions:

Progressing the award of these contracts will enable SCC to:

• Provide a robust local bus network providing essential public transport to residents so that they may continue to access key services, including employment, education, health care and essentially shopping, whilst supporting resident well-being by providing the ability for residents to travel throughout Surrey.
• Provide bus services that are delivered by reputable operators that meet the County Council’s specified quality standards and enable us to meet our statutory duty as a Local Transport Authority.
• Establish sustainable funding arrangements with bus operators.
• Increase the proportion of lower emission Euro 6 buses on our network, replacing those with far higher emissions.

To comply with Procurement Standing Orders (PSO), Cabinet approval for contracts that reach a specified value is required.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member forTransport, Infrastructure and Economy who explained that there were currently 207 bus services operating in Surrey and the County Council gives some financial support to around 75% of these. The report seeks to award twenty local bus contracts to nine operators, for the provision of twenty-four public bus services. The decision relates to 20 current contracts which expire on 27 August 2022 and have been retendered. If awarded the new contracts will commence from 28 August 2022. Overall, these proposals would maintain the existing network of bus provision with some amendments proposed to the vehicles operating these services which will improve emissions standards and air quality. Euro 6 buses would be replacing Euro 5 buses on 14 contracts which comprises 17 services in total. The remaining 7 services will seek opportunities for funding to enable them to move to Euro 6 or even hydrogen or electric. The Cabinet Member for Environment welcomed the introduction of Euro 6 buses.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet notes the background information set out in this report, and following consideration of the results of the procurement process, award the contracts to the operators as set out in the Part 2 report.

Reasons for Decisions:

Progressing the award of these contracts will enable SCC to:

• Provide a robust local bus network providing essential public transport to residents so that they may continue to access key services, including employment, education, health care and essentially shopping, whilst supporting resident well-being by providing the ability for residents to travel throughout Surrey.
• Provide bus services that are delivered by reputable operators that meet the County Council’s specified quality standards and enable us to meet our statutory duty as a Local Transport Authority.
• Establish sustainable funding arrangements with bus operators.
• Increase the proportion of lower emission Euro 6 buses on our network, replacing those with far higher emissions.

To comply with Procurement Standing Orders (PSO), Cabinet approval for contracts that reach a specified value is required.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)