Transport for Wales Rail Limited (TfWRL) intends to award contracts directly to specified bus operators to establish ticket acceptance arrangements during planned and unplanned rail service disruption. The contracts will enable customers holding valid rail tickets or eligible concessionary rail passes to travel on designated scheduled local bus services where those services provide a suitable alternative to the disrupted rail route. The arrangements may be activated as required to support Rail Replacement Services for pre-planned, emergency and ad hoc issues arising e.g. create spare capacity (disruption events), helping TfWRL maintain customer journeys, support integrated public transport and reduce the need for dedicated rail replacement vehicles where suitable existing bus services are available.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The suppliers being awarded the contracts are the only operators of the services that could provide an alternative travel method for customers affected by disruption, as these bus routes are either operated by a Mutual aligned to a Local Authority or have been awarded public service route via LA or TfW competition in accordance with public sector procurement rules. Only operators already providing public service bus routes under the current public transport network are able to provide these services. In accordance with Schedule 5 of PA23, the following conditions are met in relation to the public contract— 5 (a) due to a particular operator having the exclusive right to operate the bus routes suitable to temporarily substitute rail services hence only that operator can supply the services required; and 5(b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those service providers. Ticket Acceptance is used where it is not operationally or commercially viable to provide a dedicated rail replacement service and provides a better value for money alternative, enabling passengers to continue their journey using existing public transport services.

Utilities