Decision details

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

Officers noted that they had tried to align contract dates over the past few years to allow for more holistic considerations when they come up for renewal or review. It was noted that the Council worked in a predominantly commercial market but maintained good working relationships with the bus companies.

It was confirmed that the lots were all re-procurement of existing contracts with the exception of the new Valley Park service.  

The Chair noted the impact of the bus fare hike to £3 from the government.

Officers confirmed that cross-council collaboration took place with Buckinghamshire and West Northamptonshire on services that crossed council borders, with the funding contributions outlined in the report. It was noted that there continued to be good working relationships with partner councils.

The Chair noted that the Cabinet approved the Local Transport Delivery Plan and its submission to the Department for Transport on 17 March.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the allocation of funding as set out in paragraph 19, to support and enhance bus provision as set out in Table 1 in line with the Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) and Bus Service Improvement Plan.

b)    Approve the use of held Local Authority Bus Service Operators Grant (LABSOG) on services where no other sources of funding are available.

c)    Approve commencement of procurement to secure the proposed new and enhanced bus service provision.

d)    Delegate the award of contracts (including any contract negotiation required) and any future extensions to the Director of Environment & Highways.