To ensure that the council manages its transport services effectively whilst also seeking to achieve value for money, realise service efficiencies and contribute to ongoing savings requirements whilst also meeting its statutory duties and ensures children are transported to school in line with eligibility.

The procurement of these contracts has been carried out as part of a review of all mainstream educational contracts throughout the County. A number of geographical areas will be tendered over a 3 year period.

To implement the recorded officer decision ‘Retendering programme for mainstream school and college transport’ dated 19 January 2019.

To contribute to the Highways and Transport savings target S18 set for the 2021/22 financial year “Review all mainstream school and college bus transport provision utilising bespoke journey planning software to develop more efficient routes, optimise vehicle use and reduce contracting costs”.

To ensure equal access to services for people with disabilities and ensure that the council operates its educational transport services in accordance with the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) dated 1st January 2020.