Purpose

SYMCA acquired 4 Stagecoach Depots, Holbrook,
Ecclesfield, Rawmarsh and Wakefield Road, Barnsley in
March 26 and simultaneously leased back the Depots to
them to continue operating the Network. The lease back
contained work package provisions for Stagecoach to act
as SYMCA’s delivery agent for the installation of EV
charging infrastructure and associated works. These works
were specified by SYMCA and documented in a
Development Agreement. Stagecoach took over the
novated contract of the Design and consultant team to
deliver the package of works. The total cost of acquisition
and works are included in the Bus Franchising capital
budget approved initially by the MCA and then in detail by
the Bus Franchising Programme Board. SYMCA need to
raise a purchase order for £34m to cover all costs for
Holbrook, Ecclesfield, Rawmarsh and Wakefield Road,
Barnsley. This will allow Stagecoach to instruct works and
contract for the delivery and then invoice SYMCA for
reimbursement on a monthly basis.

Wakefield Rd: £11,514,588
Holbrook: £7,354,859
Ecclesfield: £7,187,351
Rawmarsh: £7,797,217

Decision

To appoint Stagecoach to act as delivery agent for the
electrification and associated works at Phase 1 depots, with
an estimated total cost of £34m.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Issue purchase order to Stagecoach
(recommended)
Raise a £34m purchase order to enable Stagecoach to act
as delivery agent, instruct works, and recover costs
monthly in line with the Development Agreement and
approved budget.

Option 2 – SYMCA to contract directly with supply
chain
Would require new procurement and contract
arrangements, increasing delivery risk, resourcing
requirements and causing delay.
Option 3 – Defer or phase the works
Would delay electrification and franchising readiness, with
risk of cost escalation and misalignment with approved
budgets.

Option 4 – Change delivery model / re-procure
Would require redesign and procurement of a new delivery
approach, creating delay and risk to programme delivery.