Concession for the provision of Taunton Park & Ride Passenger Transport Service

This notice is seeking expressions of interest from economic operators to be considered for award of a Service Concession Contract for the Taunton Park & Ride Passenger Transport Service.

The Council:
• seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified economic operators to be appointed as a Concessionaire for the provision of the existing weekday Taunton Park & Ride Passenger Transport Service.
• intends to advertise a Concession Notice in accordance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 to invite applications. The indicative date for the Contract Notice is 01 August 2016.
• will entrust the provision and management of the service to the Concessionaire who will have the right to exploit the service and parking sites.

The Concessionaire:
• accepts the transfer of operating risk in exploiting the service, where income is derived from passenger fare collection and subject to fluctuations in demand.
• will be responsible for the commercial operation and development of the service during the period of the Concession Contract.
To note - the current subsidy model will cease - the Concessionaire will be responsible for all operating costs and risks

Procedure:
• Economic operators (candidates) are requested to express interest following publication of the PIN through this contract listing.
• Following the publication of a Concession Notice (indicative date 01Aug2016) Candidates will be requested to complete a response to the procurement 'Concession Document' to be considered for selection and award.
• The Award of any contract will be to the tender that offers overall economic advantage to the Council.

Indication of needs and requirements:
• Operation of a passenger transport service (bus) between two parking sites, Taunton Gateway and Silk Mills, through Taunton Town Centre.
• Operation of service as a minimum Monday to Friday, with a Saturday service desired.
• Opportunity to exploit planned developments at M5 Junction 25, Comeytrowe, Firepool and inclusion of Richard Huish College and County Cricket Ground. A significant proportion of the estimated value of the concession is given over to these areas.
• Contract Duration up to 5 years.


The Council will discontinue the previous subsidised contract model.
A PIN and Engagement Event were advertised and held in 2015 (ref 2015/S 202-26650) - the nature of this procurement has now moved to a Concession in line with the Council's revised funding position.