BUZZ 42 Bus Service

Reading Borough Council (RBC) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified operators for the provision of the BUZZ 42 public Bus Service. The current BUZZ 42 service runs from Kenavon Drive to Rivermead and is in operation from Monday to Saturday from approximately 0600 (0700 on Saturday) to approximately 1915.

The current service and timetable represents the base service for this contract and will be the minimum level of service to be provided by the operator throughout the contract period.

RBC has secured funding to deliver an enhanced Buzz 42 service as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The enhanced service will consist of an extended route to include additional stops in Tilehurst, a more frequent service that includes a Sunday service. It is anticipated that the enhanced service will be delivered using either a two or three bus timetable.

Given the two delivery options, this tender is offered over two Lots as follows: - Lot 1 - the base service with an enhanced service delivered using a two bus service. - Lot 2 - the base service with an enhanced service delivered using a three bus service.

RBC has lotted this tender in order obtain prices for both route options via a competitive process. RBC intends to award to one Lot only. Lot selection will depend on the prices submitted during the tender process and the level of budget available. Bidders can submit bids for either or both Lots, although RBC would like to encourage bidders to consider submitting a bid for both Lots. Each Lot is offered on a gross cost basis.

The Bus Service must comply with all regulations for Bus provision as covered under the operator's licence provided by the Traffic Commissioner.

The contract is estimated to start on 2nd January 2024 and will run for an initial term that expires on 1st January 2027, with the option to extend by up to 2 further years in increments to be agreed.

The value of this contract is estimated to be in the region of £671,000 to £1.2million, depending on the Lot selected and the take up of extensions.

Additional information: Organisations interested in expressing an interest in this procurement should download the procurement documents which are available on the Council`s e-tendering ortal at: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/readingbc/aspx/Home and complete as instructed.

The Portal is free of charge - to register please follow the supplier registration guidance which is available on the Portal. Contractors wishing to be considered for this tendering opportunity must complete the tender documents and return them electronically via the Council`s e-tendering portal.

Please note: you must register your interest via the Council`s e-tendering portal if you intend to submit a tender. All communications regarding this procurement exercise will be conducted through the Council`s e-tendering portal including requests for clarifications or general enquiries. The procurement documents will be available for download up until the closing time and date for tender submissions; it is the organisation`s responsibility to ensure that they download the documents in ample time to ensure that they can be completed and returned electronically, along with supporting documents, prior to the closing time and date stipulated.

Before completing the tender, Bidders should ensure that the e-mail address that has been used to register their organisation will be checked regularly, as the Council`s e-tendering system will generate automatic notifications to this e-mail address when there are updates, changes or messages sent relating to the project. Bidders should also check that their organisation`s details are correct and kept up to date.

Technical questions and assistance regarding the use and operation of the Portal should be addressed to the In-Tend Help Desk - e-mail: [email protected], telephone number +44 8442728810.

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : Yes