Purpose

Following the discovery of a historic mineshaft beneath the tramway near Birley Lane, tram replacement buses are required to maintain network connectivity during periods of infrastructure closure.
Replacement buses will be required to connect with trams at Gleadless Townend, ensuring continuity of travel for customers.

A formal tender exercise was undertaken for the provision of these services as the original procurement waiver had expired. Each lot was evaluated on a cost-only basis. The operator awarded the contract subsequently advised they could not deliver the requirements on the dates specified. SYMCA contacted 14 other bus operators to support with mobilisation within 3 days. First South Yorkshire Ltd were the only operator available for the required time period.

East Yorkshire Motor Services Ltd submitted the lowest cost bids for LOT 3 but subsequently withdrew provision from the start date.

First South Yorkshire Ltd were the only operator to confirm availability for LOT 3.
 

Decision

Contracts should be awarded as follows:

First South Yorkshire Ltd
To operate tram replacement bus services for:
• LOT 3
Total cost: £276,322.00
 

Alternative options considered

• Not providing replacement buses (rejected due to loss of connectivity and significant customer impact)
• Commissioning a tender exercise to select an operator (preferred and completed) but unsuccessful
• Awarding the contract to the only available operator following withdrawal of the only bidder of LOT 3.