Decision details

Tram replacement bus service at a cost of £162,321.60 for operation of tram replacement bus services during planned engineering works during the summer school holidays.

The contract will start on Saturday 20 July 2024 and is anticipated to end Sunday 1 September 2024.

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

A tender was issued, and two bids were received based on the various requirements for the service.

Prior to tenders being issued the tram timetable was not known so LOT 2 had two options. Now that the tram timetable is known, we are recommending awarding Lots 1, 2a and 3. A summary of bids is included below.

Bidders:

Bidder 1 - First South Yorkshire:
• Lots 1, 2a and 3 on a Minimum Cost basis at £162,321.60.

Bidder 2 – [redacted]

Lot 1, 2a and 3 Lot 1, 2b and 3
[redacted] [redacted] [redacted]
First SY £162,321.60 [redacted]

Should works overrun a separate agreement on a daily cost will need to be agreed with the operator.

Recommend award:

First South Yorkshire Min Cost at £162,321.60

Option 2 – at a cost of £162,321.60

1. Do nothing (not recommended)
Do not provide replacement 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 provide an alternative but would lead to greater customer confusion and uncertainty on journey requirements. Capacity at peak times would also be a significant concern even during the school holidays.

2. Do something (recommended)
Approve provision of Tram replacement bus service as tendered to provide a reasonable alternative for passengers and requiring interchange between bus and tram – recommended award to First South Yorkshire.

3. Do most (not recommended)
Provide a more extensive tram replacement service with more capacity and higher frequencies linking more parts of the separated system directly by bus to remove the need to interchange. This is not recommended as the resources required are significant and would lead to an overspend on the available budget.