SCC - MS - Local Bus Routes 2024 - DDRT Surrey East

This mini competition is to encompass the retendering of 1 enhanced DDRT (Digital Demand Responsive Transport) service in East Surrey.

Currently 6 services are operating in Surrey and the requirement is for Surrey to have an increased number of travel opportunities making DDRT available to a greater number of Surrey residents.

The contract is the operation of the Surrey connect DDRT bus service in the Surrey East operating area, for up to six buses and a booking call centre. Surrey connect is a digital on demand bus service, known as a Digital Demand Responsive Transport solution, that is available in Surrey which enables residents to book a convenient bus journey when they need it, up to 7 days in advance or 30 minutes before you travel. It has been rolled out to improve access to sustainable travel where fewer traditional bus services are on offer. This service can help people who may be isolated due to their location and those who have had to traditionally be heavily car dependent.

We tendered 2+1-year contracts in January 2024 via the Public Bus Dynamic Purchasing System for operators to run the services on the behalf of SCC in 4 main areas: Surrey North, Surrey Southwest, Surrey Central and Surrey East. We successfully awarded 3 of the 4 areas but are retendering Surrey East due to the bids we received being incompatible with our requirements. We have adjusted the scope to allow for diesel buses in the first year of the contract, due to the lack of charging options in Tandridge.