Nexus Tenders - May 2021
Nexus Tenders - May 2021
Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.
In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.
These are:
(14 Mar 2021, 5:10 pm)Dan Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.
In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.
These are:
There has been lots of discussion on this forum recently regarding the development of bus networks, and what operators do to improve patronage and drive growth on their bus services. There has been a lot of suggestion that the use of better on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless payments help drive growth, whilst next stop announcements improve accessibility. There has also been some suggestions that this isn't enough, and operators should be looking to improve their networks by providing better services which are more catered towards the current market.
- Service 8 (South Hylton - The Docks): 1 PVR daily (evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 12 (South Shields - The Lonnen): 1 PVR daily (evenings only), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Stagecoach North East.
- Service 79 (Hall Lane - Barnwell): 1 PVR Mon-Sat, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by JH Coaches.
- Service 79/79A (Barnwell - Easington Lane): 2 PVR (Mon-Sat evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 93/94 and 97 (Gateshead services): 4 PVR (Early morning and late evening journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 135/136 (Downhill/Hylton Circular): 3 PVR (Early morning journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Service 592 (Roker - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 593 (Pallion - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
It's quite disappointing to see that in this latest batch of tenders, neither of those are deemed important enough (with the same timetables from last year being used again, and the removal of incentive for operators to provide a better quality service).
(14 Mar 2021, 5:10 pm)Dan Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.
In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.
These are:
There has been lots of discussion on this forum recently regarding the development of bus networks, and what operators do to improve patronage and drive growth on their bus services. There has been a lot of suggestion that the use of better on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless payments help drive growth, whilst next stop announcements improve accessibility. There has also been some suggestions that this isn't enough, and operators should be looking to improve their networks by providing better services which are more catered towards the current market.
- Service 8 (South Hylton - The Docks): 1 PVR daily (evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 12 (South Shields - The Lonnen): 1 PVR daily (evenings only), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Stagecoach North East.
- Service 79 (Hall Lane - Barnwell): 1 PVR Mon-Sat, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by JH Coaches.
- Service 79/79A (Barnwell - Easington Lane): 2 PVR (Mon-Sat evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 93/94 and 97 (Gateshead services): 4 PVR (Early morning and late evening journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 135/136 (Downhill/Hylton Circular): 3 PVR (Early morning journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Service 592 (Roker - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 593 (Pallion - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
It's quite disappointing to see that in this latest batch of tenders, neither of those are deemed important enough (with the same timetables from last year being used again, and the removal of incentive for operators to provide a better quality service).
(14 Mar 2021, 5:10 pm)Dan Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.I would have expected the quality items to be part of the standard contract specification by now!
In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.
These are:
There has been lots of discussion on this forum recently regarding the development of bus networks, and what operators do to improve patronage and drive growth on their bus services. There has been a lot of suggestion that the use of better on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless payments help drive growth, whilst next stop announcements improve accessibility. There has also been some suggestions that this isn't enough, and operators should be looking to improve their networks by providing better services which are more catered towards the current market.
- Service 8 (South Hylton - The Docks): 1 PVR daily (evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 12 (South Shields - The Lonnen): 1 PVR daily (evenings only), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Stagecoach North East.
- Service 79 (Hall Lane - Barnwell): 1 PVR Mon-Sat, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by JH Coaches.
- Service 79/79A (Barnwell - Easington Lane): 2 PVR (Mon-Sat evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 93/94 and 97 (Gateshead services): 4 PVR (Early morning and late evening journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 135/136 (Downhill/Hylton Circular): 3 PVR (Early morning journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Service 592 (Roker - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 593 (Pallion - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
It's quite disappointing to see that in this latest batch of tenders, neither of those are deemed important enough (with the same timetables from last year being used again, and the removal of incentive for operators to provide a better quality service).
(14 Mar 2021, 5:10 pm)Dan Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.I would have expected the quality items to be part of the standard contract specification by now!
In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.
These are:
There has been lots of discussion on this forum recently regarding the development of bus networks, and what operators do to improve patronage and drive growth on their bus services. There has been a lot of suggestion that the use of better on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless payments help drive growth, whilst next stop announcements improve accessibility. There has also been some suggestions that this isn't enough, and operators should be looking to improve their networks by providing better services which are more catered towards the current market.
- Service 8 (South Hylton - The Docks): 1 PVR daily (evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 12 (South Shields - The Lonnen): 1 PVR daily (evenings only), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Stagecoach North East.
- Service 79 (Hall Lane - Barnwell): 1 PVR Mon-Sat, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by JH Coaches.
- Service 79/79A (Barnwell - Easington Lane): 2 PVR (Mon-Sat evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 93/94 and 97 (Gateshead services): 4 PVR (Early morning and late evening journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Services 135/136 (Downhill/Hylton Circular): 3 PVR (Early morning journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
- Service 592 (Roker - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
- Service 593 (Pallion - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
It's quite disappointing to see that in this latest batch of tenders, neither of those are deemed important enough (with the same timetables from last year being used again, and the removal of incentive for operators to provide a better quality service).
(14 Mar 2021, 5:25 pm)streetdeckfan To me, the fact that NSA still isn't required on contracted services (or even taken into consideration) is borderline criminal.
It's not like other 'features', such as USB or WiFi where it's a convenience, for some people it can be the difference between a bus being usable and not.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:25 pm)streetdeckfan To me, the fact that NSA still isn't required on contracted services (or even taken into consideration) is borderline criminal.
It's not like other 'features', such as USB or WiFi where it's a convenience, for some people it can be the difference between a bus being usable and not.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:21 pm)MurdnunoC GCT need to hope that they aren't 'punished' by a reduction of vehicles allowed on the O licence at the PI next week then.
I can see them getting most of the work.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:21 pm)MurdnunoC GCT need to hope that they aren't 'punished' by a reduction of vehicles allowed on the O licence at the PI next week then.
I can see them getting most of the work.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:48 pm)peter Gateshead Central Taxis - the name of an operator in the region
(14 Mar 2021, 5:48 pm)peter Gateshead Central Taxis - the name of an operator in the region
(14 Mar 2021, 5:28 pm)busmanT I would have expected the quality items to be part of the standard contract specification by now!
Times must be hard I suppose, as the secured services must have lost at least as many passengers during COVID-19 as the commercial ones. Many of these were no doubt low usage services before the pandemic.
Are there also contract changes from a date later in March (or have I missed the posts)?
(14 Mar 2021, 5:28 pm)busmanT I would have expected the quality items to be part of the standard contract specification by now!
Times must be hard I suppose, as the secured services must have lost at least as many passengers during COVID-19 as the commercial ones. Many of these were no doubt low usage services before the pandemic.
Are there also contract changes from a date later in March (or have I missed the posts)?
(14 Mar 2021, 5:58 pm)Michael Go North East are in quite a good position to win some of those contracts though, I would imagine they have buses to fill the contracted services they currently don't have.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:58 pm)Michael Go North East are in quite a good position to win some of those contracts though, I would imagine they have buses to fill the contracted services they currently don't have.
(14 Mar 2021, 5:44 pm)Michael Shocking that NSA isn't included, no doubt that means Gateshead Central Taxi's will win most of them..... god help everyone who needs the NSA....
What does weighting towards cost mean?, the weight of the bus against the offer?
(14 Mar 2021, 5:44 pm)Michael Shocking that NSA isn't included, no doubt that means Gateshead Central Taxi's will win most of them..... god help everyone who needs the NSA....
What does weighting towards cost mean?, the weight of the bus against the offer?
The more I hear about this GCT company the more I think that they are a less than reputable bus operator. Am I correct?
(14 Mar 2021, 6:09 pm)streetdeckfan It means that cost is going to be the primary measure for awarding the contract.
Put simply,
GNE could offer to run the services using brand new electric buses, with contactless payments, next stop annoucements, free WiFi, USB, air conditioning, leather seats, tables, and free refreshments for £10 (completely made up number)
GCT could offer to run the services using older vehicles where the nearest you'll get to a next stop announcement is getting "last stop" shouted at you by the driver, with absolutely no creature comforts for £9 (again, completely made up)
Because they don't take any of the 'quality' into consideration, GCT would likely win the contract because they were cheaper.
(14 Mar 2021, 6:09 pm)streetdeckfan It means that cost is going to be the primary measure for awarding the contract.
Put simply,
GNE could offer to run the services using brand new electric buses, with contactless payments, next stop annoucements, free WiFi, USB, air conditioning, leather seats, tables, and free refreshments for £10 (completely made up number)
GCT could offer to run the services using older vehicles where the nearest you'll get to a next stop announcement is getting "last stop" shouted at you by the driver, with absolutely no creature comforts for £9 (again, completely made up)
Because they don't take any of the 'quality' into consideration, GCT would likely win the contract because they were cheaper.
I know it's not what independents want to hear, but personally I always have more faith if a big company (GNE, ANE, SNE) are operating a contracted route than a smaller company.
More flexibility due to a larger fleet, the bus is generally presented better (though there are some cracking independents in the region, the likes of GCT, Scarlet Band, Rural Link/PCL leave a lot to be desired), there's a better chance of NSAs/WiFi etc, they all have apps to track the bus, the driver will be somewhat professional. Again, there will be exceptions, but I've had/heard of far too many poor experiences with independents to want them to get work ahead of a more reliable, larger, company.
(14 Mar 2021, 6:09 pm)streetdeckfan It means that cost is going to be the primary measure for awarding the contract.
Put simply,
GNE could offer to run the services using brand new electric buses, with contactless payments, next stop annoucements, free WiFi, USB, air conditioning, leather seats, tables, and free refreshments for £10 (completely made up number)
GCT could offer to run the services using older vehicles where the nearest you'll get to a next stop announcement is getting "last stop" shouted at you by the driver, with absolutely no creature comforts for £9 (again, completely made up)
Because they don't take any of the 'quality' into consideration, GCT would likely win the contract because they were cheaper.
(14 Mar 2021, 6:09 pm)streetdeckfan It means that cost is going to be the primary measure for awarding the contract.
Put simply,
GNE could offer to run the services using brand new electric buses, with contactless payments, next stop annoucements, free WiFi, USB, air conditioning, leather seats, tables, and free refreshments for £10 (completely made up number)
GCT could offer to run the services using older vehicles where the nearest you'll get to a next stop announcement is getting "last stop" shouted at you by the driver, with absolutely no creature comforts for £9 (again, completely made up)
Because they don't take any of the 'quality' into consideration, GCT would likely win the contract because they were cheaper.
(14 Mar 2021, 6:02 pm)MurdnunoC I wouldn't have thought so unless they somehow managed to undercut GCT when submitting their tender.
(14 Mar 2021, 6:02 pm)MurdnunoC I wouldn't have thought so unless they somehow managed to undercut GCT when submitting their tender.
(15 Mar 2021, 3:43 pm)Ambassador Hello, Joe Taxpayer here.
I hear these services are rarely used and are point A-B and the people who use it will use it regardless of it being a Ford Fiesta or a Limousine.
On behalf of the overwhelming majority of people who pay taxes and don't go near secured services, please spend less of my taxes on this and just ensure that the people get from A-B at the cheapest option possible. Why I am paying for people to use wifi and have tables?
Best Wishes
Taxpayer
(15 Mar 2021, 3:43 pm)Ambassador Hello, Joe Taxpayer here.
I hear these services are rarely used and are point A-B and the people who use it will use it regardless of it being a Ford Fiesta or a Limousine.
On behalf of the overwhelming majority of people who pay taxes and don't go near secured services, please spend less of my taxes on this and just ensure that the people get from A-B at the cheapest option possible. Why I am paying for people to use wifi and have tables?
Best Wishes
Taxpayer
(14 Mar 2021, 6:22 pm)Clifton Hignett III The more I hear about this GCT company the more I think that they are a less than reputable bus operator. Am I correct?
(14 Mar 2021, 6:22 pm)Clifton Hignett III The more I hear about this GCT company the more I think that they are a less than reputable bus operator. Am I correct?
