Planning

Kent Thameside Fastrack 2022

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Feb 2021 at 12:31

Planning Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process titled "Kent Thameside Fastrack 2022" is initiated by Kent County Council, which is located in Maidstone, UK. This tender falls under the public road transport services category and is currently in the planning stage. The anticipated contract start date is April 1st, 2022, running for a duration of eight years, with an initial competitive tendering process set to take place in 2021. The contract aims to enhance the Fastrack Bus Rapid Transit network in the Dartford and Gravesend area, which is critical to managing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transport modes in Kent Thameside.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in transportation services, particularly those with experience in operating electric bus fleets. Companies well-versed in providing high-quality public transport solutions and those with innovative marketing strategies will find this project appealing. The contract requires the operation and management of an expanded bus network, which may also necessitate partnerships with manufacturers of electric vehicles. Interested businesses are encouraged to engage with Kent County Council and explore funding opportunities related to electric buses to optimise their proposals.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Kent Thameside Fastrack 2022

Notice Description

This PIN provides notice of a future opportunity to operate the premium Fastrack Bus Rapid Transit network in the Dartford and Gravesend area for Kent County Council. Fastrack has operated successfully since 2006 and is a key element of the substantial developments being constructed in Kent Thameside. The developments are designed to be served by sustainable transport modes and, without Fastrack, it is forecast that there would be significant additional traffic congestion on the local road network. Fastrack is therefore vital in increasing the modal share between public and private transport. Currently at 22 per cent, our mode share goal is to be at 25 per cent by 2025/26. In 2022, the network reaches a critical point where the planned opening of the Fastrack tunnel between Bluewater and Whitecliffe (Eastern Quarry) prompts the opportunity for Fastrack to expand to serve the new sites effectively. The Council therefore intends to hold a competitive tendering process during 2021 for a new contract incorporating an extended service A and the current route B. There are also plans for further expansions to these services during the life of the contract as the development sites proceed. A new route C is also in development. From April 1st, 2022, it is anticipated that this new contract will run for 8 years, subject to periodic KPIs being met. Future phases of the network will have the provision to be awarded without retendering, subject to meeting performance criteria

Lot Information

Lot 1

*** THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION and for information only *** This PIN provides notice of a future opportunity to operate the premium Fastrack Bus Rapid Transit network in the Dartford and Gravesend area for Kent County Council. Fastrack has operated successfully since 2006 and is a key element of the substantial developments being constructed in Kent Thameside. The developments are designed to be served by sustainable transport modes and, without Fastrack, it is forecast that there would be significant additional traffic congestion on the local road network. Fastrack is therefore vital in increasing the modal share between public and private transport. Currently at 22 per cent, our mode share goal is to be at 25 per cent by 2025/26. In 2022, the network reaches a critical point where the planned opening of the Fastrack tunnel between Bluewater and Whitecliffe (Eastern Quarry) prompts the opportunity for Fastrack to expand to serve the new sites effectively. The Council therefore intends to hold a competitive tendering process during 2021 for a new contract incorporating an extended service A and the current route B. There are also plans for further expansions to these services during the life of the contract as the development sites proceed. A new route C is also in development. From April 1st, 2022, it is anticipated that this new contract will run for 8 years, subject to periodic KPIs being met. Future phases of the network will have the provision to be awarded without retendering, subject to meeting performance criteria. Following a successful trial in 2018 and to enhance the sustainability of the Fastrack network, we will seek only to operate an electric single deck vehicle powered primarily with opportunity roadside charging. Charging points would be placed at the Gravesend Bus Hub and Dartford Home Gardens, with additional chargers provided at the operating depot as a backup. Kent County Council will undertake associated groundworks and provide connectivity locations for the on-street charging, however, the Council will ask tenderers to procure a specified fleet (c.27 buses initially) and both the on-street charging interfaces and depot charging facilities. The council encourages interested parties to research funding opportunities for electric buses and actively engage with relevant manufacturers now. This could help you provide best value operating prices. A gross cost contract is currently the preferred option of KCC, though the precise nature of the contract is still to be determined. Regardless of contract type, our evaluation of tender submissions will be based on performance confidence as well as being price driven. A strong focus on providing a very high-quality service is expected, demonstrating how tenderers would stimulate the significant passenger growth required to achieve KCC's strategic goals for Fastrack. Our key ambitions are to be Europe's best Bus Rapid Transit network and to empower our passengers to have greater influence over their service. This will mean regular customer contact and localised decision making. All whilst delivering KCC with value for money. A single contractor will be required for the whole Fastrack network and the appointed contractor will be expected to: * Provide and maintain the fleet bus fleet and charging interfaces to high operating standards and to a set of core requirements. * Secure and operate a conveniently located operating Centre, supported if required by a well-equipped maintenance base sited within a reasonable distance from the Fastrack routes. * Recruit, measure and maintain a well-trained and enthusiastic driver team supported by committed local management staff. * Employ visible and highly motivated Fastrack supervisors who will work as an ambassador with both users of the service and local stakeholders to enhance and develop Fastrack's reputation and passenger base. * The contractor will have in place and employ clear plans including a comprehensive Customer Service Plan, a Route Control Strategy and a Business Continuity Plan. * The contractor will play a full part in publicising and marketing Fastrack, including digital media channels. * The contractor will also be able to keep pace with anticipated growth of the Fastrack network. Whilst it is envisaged that the Council will take the risk on revenue and that the contract will be let on a gross cost basis, the contractor will be expected to ensure that revenue growth is maximised and that there is co-operation with other operators on multi-operator ticketing use and acceptance. Patronage growth will be a key metric, alongside reliability and customer satisfaction. The contract will be supported by a contract management process driven by performance standards and KPIs designed to enhance the service quality of Fastrack. Companies that are interested but are not registered on the Kent Business Portal should register at the following address in the first instance: www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk. Please note that no response is required from prospective bidders to this notice. If you require more information about this notice, please contact Shane Hymers at the following address: shane.hymers@kent.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0291f8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002705-2021
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

60112000 - Public road transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Feb 20215 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Aug 2021Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Mr Shane Hymers
Contact Email
shane.hymers@kent.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MAIDSTONE
Postcode
ME14 1XQ
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ45 Mid Kent
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent
Local Authority
Maidstone
Electoral Ward
Penenden Heath
Westminster Constituency
Maidstone and Malling

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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