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Policy Committee, 13Th February 2001

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Policy Committee, 13Th February 2001 DECISION OF COUNCILLOR ELFAN AP REES THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING, HIGHWAYS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING. WITH ADVICE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT DECISION NO 15/16 19 SUBJECT: LSTF 2 Public Transport Projects Background: A procurement exercise has been undertaken for two projects being delivered as part of LSTF 2. This includes the Nailsea to Bristol kick-start project and Royal Portbury Docks bus service. Nailsea to Bristol Kick-Start: The main objective of this project is to provide kick-start funding to launch a new or enhanced service on the Nailsea to Bristol corridor which would become commercially viable following the initial investment period. This will build on the successes of the Weston to Bristol and the Portishead to Bristol kick-start projects. These previous projects saw £150,000 invested in both the X1 and X2/X3 services. The new project replicates this investment in the Nailsea to Bristol corridor, with £150,000 available to invest. Tenders were invited on the procurement portal between 5th March and 15th April and we received one submission from First. The submission is summarised below: X8/X9- combined 15 minute frequency between Nailsea and Bristol, Monday- Saturday daytime and 30 minute frequency evenings, Sundays and Public Holidays. Reduced journey times for the majority of passengers whilst serving all areas currently served. New late night Saturday service with last journey from Bristol at 1.20am. An increased number of journeys for Wraxall with a new Saturday and Sunday service. Increased evening frequency on service X6 in Clevedon to every 60 minutes and new Sunday and Public Holiday 60 minute evening frequency timetable. 1 A2 route extended beyond Nailsea with alternate journeys to Portishead and Clevedon, providing a 120 minute frequency to both. Provides Portishead and Clevedon with a direct service to Bristol Airport. Two year commitment. Working in partnership with local operator Abus, who will be operating a number of journeys on their behalf. The tender submissions were evaluated based on the following criteria: Long Term Viability (40%) Business case – 20% Length of commitment to service – 10% Passenger consultation – 10% Access to Employment (25%) Meeting commuter demand – 10% Areas served – 10% Interchange Opportunities – 5% On-board facilities – 5% Vehicle Quality (25%) Vehicle age – 5% Emissions standards – 5% Vehicle accessibility – 5% Vehicle branding – 5% Cleanliness – 5% Customer Care and Marketing (10%) Customer care and driver training – 5% Marcomms – 5% The proposal from First obtained an evaluation score of 100%, therefore our recommendation is to award the £150,000 kick-start funding to First. Royal Portbury Dock: The Royal Portbury Dock project seeks to connect the dock area with the public transport network. The primary objective is to kick-start a commercial bus service coming into the dock area and serving a new stop. Operators were invited to bid for £60,000 of kick-start funding to provide a service from key origin destinations to Royal Portbury Docks. Tenders were invited on the procurement portal between 5th March and 15th April but we had no submissions during this time. We were 2 however approached by First separately who wanted more time to discuss the options. They have now put forward the following proposal on the service X5: Three morning journeys to serve dock area facilitating 0800, 0900 and 1000 start times from key origin locations including, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead. Three afternoon journeys to service dock area facilitating 1600, 1700 and 1800 finish times. Commitment for one year but would look to add further journeys on other services including the X2/X3 based on passenger numbers. DECISION: To award First the £150,000 kick-start funding for Nailsea to Bristol based on the evaluation of submitted tender; and To award First the £60,000 kick-start funding for Royal Portbury Docks Reasons: Nailsea to Bristol Kick-Start: The proposal submitted by First fulfils the criteria set out in the evaluation process and offers a commitment to provide the service for 1 year beyond the funding period. The proposals represent a significant improvement to local bus services between Nailsea and Bristol, as well as providing a number of new direct and faster journey opportunities to other North Somerset destinations. We carried out a comprehensive public consultation in Nailsea where we conducted two drop in sessions at Nailsea library and a two week online consultation. We received over 200 responses and spoke to a number of existing bus passengers. The proposals respond positively to the results of consultation and demonstrates a clear understanding of the market. The current commercial bus market in Nailsea is made up of two operators First and Abus. The proposal offers a joint working relationship between both parties and therefore offers the best possible outcome for the passenger and secures the long-term future of the Nailsea bus network for both operators. Similar enhancements on the Weston to Bristol and Portishead to Bristol corridors have shown a significant increase in patronage which supports council policy and priorities for promoting more sustainable travel. Royal Portbury Docks: We have worked closely with Severnet and other employers at the docks who have indicated that the proposals set out by First fulfil the needs of many of their employees and provides transport opportunities for new staff. The proposal offers a commitment of one year and 3 should sufficient demand exist First are prepared to add further journeys additionally serving Portbury Docks. Other Alternatives Considered: First have submitted a robust proposal which meets the criteria for the funding and has passed the evaluation process. As there was a limited response to the procurement exercise consideration was given to re-tendering but a better proposal is unlikely to come forward and any delay to commencement of the service and could result in the loss of DfT funding. Risk Assessment: A risk assessment has been undertaken for all projects receiving funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF). A key risk for this project would be if the start of the service is delayed which could result in losing the DfT funding. We will work with the operator and regularly monitor and review the project. A key risk would be the reputational damage should this project lead to any loss of service on parts of the existing network. We will work with the operator to ensure that the impact of this would be minimal. Financial Implications: The decision is to be funded from a grant of £210,000 received from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The funding is for a one year period commencing 01 April 2015. Implications for Future Years: First have committed to operating the enhanced services for two years with clear targets for commercial viability in year three. Signed.................................................... The Executive Member for Strategic Planning, Highways, Economic Development and Housing Dated………………………………………. Confirmation of Advice Given Signed....................................................Director of Development & Environment Dated……………………………………… 4 .
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