Provision of Bus Services

Using funding made available by the Department for Transport, from its Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP+) scheme, Cumberland Council is seeking quotes to introduce or enhance a number of local bus services.

Tenders will take the following into account:-

• oThe service will need to be registered with the Traffic Commissioner

• oFares will be collected on the bus and ENCTS passes accepted for free travel, so ticket machines will need to be fitted to the bus. The Council can supply these for a small maintenance cost

• oLow Floor vehicles will be required for any vehicle over 22 seats

• oFor cash fares a maximum £2 Single fare will apply until 31 December 2024. No additional payment will be made for doing this

• oAll other relevant legislation will need to be complied to.

Suppliers wishing to express an interest and obtain access to the tender documents should go to www.the-chest.org.uk and click on current opportunities from the navigation area on the left of the screen. On the next screen enter the contract Reference (DN721188) in the box labelled 'contains' then click search. Click on the Blue link for the contract title to view the opportunity.

To express an interest you will need to login. If you are not already registered on the www.the-chest.org.uk you will need to return to the home page and click on Register. Register free link in the navigation area on the left of the screen. Registration is free of charge and your username and password will be emailed to you.