Provision of Taxi Services for SWASFT

Provision of Taxi Services within Taunton and surrounding locality. SWASFT requires reliable and timely taxi services across Taunton and the surrounding locality to support the transport of clinically stable patients to treatment centres (including hospital settings). Taxi services may also be used to transport Trust personnel between locations (for example, between stations, hospitals, and airbases) and to support wider operational activities. Following the Open Framework award, it has been identified that several appointed providers are unable to deliver sufficient service coverage within this locality. A direct award is therefore proposed under the Procurement Act 2023, as only one supplier is currently capable of providing consistent and reliable service coverage in the area. Alternative options would result in increased costs, delayed response times, and reduced service reliability. This direct award is necessary to ensure continuity of service, protect patient safety, and maintain operational resilience. The direct award represents a proportionate and value-for money solution where further competition would not deliver improved outcomes. The direct award also includes cross-border journeys, where, for operational reasons, collection or drop-off points may extend into neighbouring counties where this is the most appropriate and efficient option.