Decision details

Tram replacement bus service at a cost of £48,423.00 for operation between University and Shrewsbury Road via the city centre, to allow for the major works to be completed in the city centre. Tender is for 9 days operation from Sat 25/05 to Sun 02/06.

Without this service, the tram network would not be linked effectively.

A tender was issued, and two bids were received based on a 5 PVR working option. The service will operate as a free service.

Bidders:

Bidder 1 - First South Yorkshire:
• EURO VI retrofit Min Cost £48,423.00 with five double deckers
Bidder 2 – [redacted]
• EURO VI Min Cost £68,700 – note that this is for x3 double deckers and x2 single deckers

Recommend award:

First South Yorkshire Min Cost at £48,423.00

Option 2 – at a cost of £48,423.00

1. Do not provide emergency bus service - this would mean the tram network would not be linked except for the use of local bus services. Services such as the 120 and X1/X2/X3 provide an alternative but would lead to greater customer confusion and uncertainty on journey requirements.

2. Agree provision of 9 day Tram replacement bus service – recommended award to First. Note that the Netherthorpe Tram stop will not be served with local services only available.

3. Provide a more extensive tram replacement service linking more parts of the separated system including Shalesmoor to Cricket Inn Road. This is not recommended as the bus operators do not have the resources available to achieve this without significant cost of resources being bought in from the national group.