Contracted Enhancements to Local Bus Services

Bedford Borough Council wishes to tender for contracted enhancements to local bus routes, enhancing the existing town centre network. Bidders will submit proposals to enhance bus services on a contracted basis. Key locations are: o Hillgrounds Road and Saxon Centre o Putnoe Lane o Woodlands Park o Abbeyfields Proposals must aim for each resident of the above locations to be able to access public transport within 400 metres of their home address.

Services must provide enhanced access to key hubs and services, eg Bedford Hospital (North and South Wings), Bedford Bus Station and Bedford and Kempston Town centre, and should be designed more generally with the aim of providing enhanced connectively to socially necessary locations. Transport provision to these locations on the day of operation and time of service is a minimum provision required.

Operators are permitted the flexibility to incorporate these areas into their existing network and enhance the minimum requirement on a commercial basis where they deem it is appropriate. Further details are contained within the specification.