The 2014 review of the public transport network resulted in cabinet approval of the priorities for subsidy and defined a core bus network for the county. A number of public bus service contracts from this core network are approaching their termination date and are due to be retendered in accordance with the adopted passenger transport policy, and the passenger transport Dynamic Purchasing System agreement.

In accordance with this requirement the decision has been taken to:

1. Award public bus service contract numbers 301 and 304 as follows:

Contract 301 – Leominster area incorporating Wigmore School. Awarded to Lugg Valley Travel for a 5 year term commencing 2nd September 2018 at a total contract value of £266,825. The award of this contract achieved an annual saving of £5,385 vs current contract values. One compliant bid was received. This contract incorporates service numbers 489, 507 and 498.

Contract 304 – Hereford, Garway and Shenmore service. Awarded to Yeomans for a 2 year term commencing 2nd September 2018 at a total contract value of £115,080. The award of this contract resulted in an annual increase of £179 vs current contract values. One compliant bid was received. This contract incorporates service numbers 412, 413, 448 and 436.

2. Extend public bus service contract 273 (service number 411) by a period of 4 months to allow for further evaluation of options for this service. The retendering of this contract failed to establish a new contract that met the Councils £4 per passenger subsidy limit. The only bid received for the new contract would have seen the subsidy level increase to £18.36 per passenger.