The Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) which sought approval for a six-month extension to the contract for the provision of the bus service for the Park and Ride operation in Southport and authority to procure a new contract for the operation of the Park and Ride bus service from the expiry date of the extended contract.
Decision Made: That
(1) the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) be authorised to enter into a six-month extension to the contract for the provision of the bus service for the Park and Ride operation in Southport;
(2) the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) be authorised to commence the procurement of a new contract to operate the Park and Ride bus service from the expiry date of the above extended contract; and
(3) the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) be authorised in consultation with the Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, to award a contract for a period of five years to the highest scoring Tenderer in the above procurement process.
Reasons for the Decision:
To ensure continued provision of the service until the tender exercise can be completed and to secure a new contract once that exercise is completed.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
Consideration was given to not extending the contract. This was rejected as this is not considered to be the best value option for the Council, for the reasons set out in the report.