Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025

Purpose: To approve the Strategic Procurement Plan for a replacement contract to install and maintain bus shelters across the borough.

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the Strategic Procurement Plan (CONFIDENTIAL ANNEX A) for a 15-year concession contract for Bus Shelter provision and maintenance, with the option to extend for a further 10 years.

Reasons for the decision: i.       The council currently provides 130 bus shelters on bus routes throughout the borough via a concession contract which is due to expire on 31 March 2026.   ii.     The council does not have a budget to purchase new shelters, nor to maintain the existing ageing shelters if these were passed to the council at nil cost through negotiation with the incumbent provider. Therefore a concession contract for new replacement shelters is considered the most appropriate solution.

Alternative options considered: i.       The alternative options considered are:   •       To acquire the existing shelters and take responsibility for their on-going maintenance – this was rejected due to the age of the existing shelters and the cost implications of maintaining an ageing stock for which there is no existing budget.   •       To purchase new shelters and take the revenue from direct advertising to pay for their on-going maintenance – this was rejected as there is no budget available for the excessive up-front capital costs (130 shelters could cost up to £3million to purchase and install).   •       To purchase new shelters and offer a contract for advertising in those shelters to pay for their on-going maintenance of the shelters - this was rejected as there is no budget available for the excessive up-front capital costs (as above).   •       Not to provide shelters at all – this was rejected because of the negative impact on bus patronage and failure to meet the council’s transport policies within the new LTP4.