Lakeside North Harbour - Shuttle Bus Service

Descriptions

The Council requires a high quality private transport service linking local transport points at Hilsea/Cosham and Southsea Hover Terminal to the Lakeside North Harbour Business Park. There are agreed stops at each location and the service is provided for Lakeside business park occupiers and staff only. The service links up drop off points from public transport close to Lakeside North Harbour and plays a significant role in addressing issues of traffic congestion, air quality and carbon emissions in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. The Council is aiming to award a contract to the successful Operator by March 31st 2026. The contract will run for a duration of 5 years extendable in increments of no less than a year to be agreed upon by both parties over the course of the contract subject to performance to a maximum total term of 10 years. The Council will give the successful Operator a minimum of 6 months' notice to make appropriate arrangements to ensure seamless service is maintained. The Operator shall be responsible for full compliance with all appropriate Service Vehicle, Operator and Driver Licensing regulations. In addition, the service shall be registered with the Traffic Commissioners if it is to be operated as a local bus service. The Operator shall be responsible for registering routes with the Traffic Commissioners if required. Operators should note and allow for any foreseeable rule changes published during the tender process. The Shuttle Bus Service Park shall be provided to certain minimum standards as set out within this specification. The aims of the Council relating to transport are to: • Provide a high quality Shuttle Bus service that Lakeside occupiers and staff will want to use. • Raise the profile and image of the Lakeside shuttle bus service in Portsmouth, and remove practical and perceptual barriers to bus use. • Increase the market share of the shuttle bus services. • Provide a reliable and punctual shuttle bus service. • Improve integration between transport modes. • Contribute towards reducing traffic congestion in Portsmouth. • Contribute towards reducing the amount of carbon emissions produced by transport in Portsmouth. • Reduce the number of car trips into Lakeside North Harbour and achieve modal shift from private to public transport. The Council will install and or provide: • Suitable bus stops at Lakeside North Harbour and agree permissions for stops in the local area required by the bus route. • Manage bus timetable which is distributed to the users of the service by Lakeside North Harbour. • Provide parking spaces to store contracted bus provision outside of service hours