Soft Market Test: Park & Ride Services in Leicester & Leicestershire

The current Park and Ride contract is let in partnership between Leicestershire County and Leicester City Council ('the Councils’) and is due to expire in 2024. Leicestershire County Council is the lead authority for the bus operation and the City Council for the associated site infrastructure. The Councils would like to consult the market in its preparation of how to deliver the bus operation of the Park and Ride service beyond 2024.

The Councils would like to maintain the current electric operation serving the three existing Park and Rides sites at Enderby, Birstall and Meynell’s Gorse with a frequent service to the City Centre operating up to 6 days a week, with additional Sunday operation at Christmas. It is the intention that the service is operated on a minimum cost basis with all revenue reverting to the Councils.

Given the current financial challenges facing both the authorities and the industry we are keen to hear from interested parties how to deliver the service through more cost-effective methods. This will enable the Councils to examine the key issues to help inform the decision-making process prior to any possible future procurement.