New guidance to save local authority money

Revised guidance for local authorities on best practice when procuring local bus services and other types of road passenger transport has been published. According to Transport Minister, Baroness Kramer, the recommendations in the guidance should help save money. The publication offers a range of advice for all those within local authorities involved in securing these services on how to obtain best value from their tendered networks. It updates the earlier version released in 2005 to assist local authorities in England (outside Greater London) in procuring supported bus services as part of their wider Local Transport Plans. The revision has been expanded to include all forms of passenger transport and applies for the first time to Scotland and Wales. It was prepared by Atkins Ltd and the TAS Partnership in close consultation with a panel of experts across the passenger transport and procurement sectors.

Baroness Kramer said, ‘The recommendations in this revised guidance will save money. That is the clear message throughout. Adopting the right structures and practices by those within local authorities that fund and secure tendered services can have a huge impact on value for money. Whether it is streamlining administrative procedures, improving relations with local operators or changing the way tender documents are prepared to encourage more bidders, all help maximise the return on the £435m UK local authorities spend each year on passenger services (excludes London but includes Scotland and Wales). I strongly urge every local authority to take on board the recommendations in this Guidance, as it will result in real improvements to the delivery of supported transport services, which provide a vital lifeline.’

Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tendering-road-passenger-transport-contracts-best-practice-guidance to see the guidance.