VEAT Notice for Bus Contingency Provision during the Commonwealth Games

This is a VEAT Notice, not an opportunity listing. There is a risk that industrial action on the UK rail network may coincide with the Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in the West Midlands between 28 July and 9 August. On the busiest days, over 100,000 rail trips, as part of a journey to and from the Games, are predicted. The transport plan for the Games' venues indicates that approximately 40% of workforce and spectators would be expected to travel to the Games events by train. A contingency plan is therefore required should the rail network be unavailable, or severely reduced, due to industrial action. This contingency plan is being developed by the Transport for West Midlands Team of the West Midlands Combined Authority ("WMCA") on behalf of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. A key element of the contingency plan is to provide additional bus services within the West Midlands region, to provide additional shuttle services between venues, city centres and Park & Ride sites. Another important aspect is the provision of additional coach capacity from towns and cities across the UK, replacing the connections that would otherwise be offered by the rail network. Market assessment to identify and source additional buses and coaches in order to enact the contingency plan was undertaken at a time when there were and are many other calls on scarce buses, coaches and drivers, to serve other major events, airports, critical workplaces and provide rail replacement services. As a result, it was critical that WMCA secure bus operators in the shortest possible time and obtain the maximum number of resources mobilised and ready for 23rd July 2022. This will allow for driver route training and mobilisation plus Opening ceremony full dress rehearsals 24th and 26th July. As a consequence of a UK wide rapid market engagement with regional, national bus and coach operators WMCA has found capacity and capability that achieves the most desirable possible outcome given the current restrictions and direct awards, in accordance with Clause 32(2)(C) of the Public Contracting Regulations 2015, will be made at the end of a 10 day standstill period. This has enabled WMCA to acquire buses, coaches and drivers in the shortest possible time and maximise the resources available to deliver its contingency plan.