Purpose

Major engineering works are scheduled to take place at the City Centre Delta Junction, requiring the tram network to be temporarily split into three separate operating sections. As tram services will be unable to operate through the worksite, replacement bus services are required to maintain connectivity between the isolated sections of the tram network and minimise disruption to customers during the period of the works. A competitive procurement exercise was therefore undertaken for the provision of Area 6 Tram Replacement Bus Services for 2026. The requirement was split into two lots to encourage market participation, maximise operational resilience and secure best value. The purpose of this decision is to approve the award of contracts for both lots.

Decision

Approval to award contracts for Area 6 Tram Replacement Bus Services as follows:
• Lot 1 awarded to City Transport Group Ltd at a contract value of £132,981.00.
• Lot 2 awarded to the SMT Bus and Coach Ltd at a contract value of £75,270.83.
Total contract value: £208,251.83.

Alternative options considered

1. Award contracts to the successful bidders following evaluation of submitted tenders.
2. Not provide replacement bus services.

Option 1 is recommended as it delivers the required replacement bus capacity, ensures continuity of passenger journeys during the Delta Junction engineering works and represents best value based on the outcome of the competitive tender process.