Purpose

Pursuant to Minute No. 104 of
the meeting of Cabinet held on 3rd March 2025, the
Executive Director (Environment & Place), in consultation with
Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport, was
authorised to approve the final details of the new bus service and
tender documents and the appointment of the successful bus
operator.

Content

The approval to proceed with the procurement
to tender a new bus service from London Southend Airport and the
Airport Business Park to Leigh-on-Sea Rail Station and the
appointment of Stephensons of Essex Ltd as the successful bus
operator for the new bus service.

Reasons for the decision

The procurement of the New
North / South Bus Service was conducted electronically via the
Council’s electronic Tender Facility ProContract and in accordance with the
PA23.
 
The tenders of applicants were
evaluated on the basis of the Most
Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) in accordance with the
evaluation and scoring methodology detailed below:
 
30%    Quality/Technical
Submission
70%    Price: including financial evaluation
of the commercial offer.
 
Out of the 3 bidders
Stephensons of Essex Ltd scored the
highest score and were highest on Quality and Price.
 
Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet
Member is fully briefed and supportive having been a key political
driver in the new route.
 

Alternative options considered

The only viable option is to
proceed with the contract award.