The Provision of Shuttle Bus Services at Ardrossan

CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd, which is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. Previously operating as Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, CalMac was created in October 2006 to bid for the Scottish Government contract to operate Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services, which it subsequently won. At the same time Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd changed its name to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and retained ownership of the vessels and piers which it leases to the operator of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry services (currently CFL). CMAL is also wholly owned by Scottish Ministers but is entirely separate from CFL. Although they have the same shareholder, each has its own Board and their relationship is solely contractual. CalMac Ferries Limited has one wholly owned subsidiary; Caledonian MacBrayne Crewing (Guernsey) Limited, which employs and supplies all sea going staff (approximately 1000) to CFL. CFL operates a fleet of 34 vessels, providing lifeline ferry services to the communities off Scotland’s west coast – from the Isle of Lewis in the north to the Isle of Arran in the south. Ferries sail to over 25 different destinations operating from 51 ports and slipways, some of which are in remote locations. During the temporary relocation of Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown ferry services to Troon as a result of the construction phase of the Ardrossan harbour re-development project, the provision of a shuttlebus service is required to enable travel interchange and connectivity between the ports and local railway station. It is anticipated that a shuttle bus service will be needed on the following routes for round trips: -Between Troon Harbour, KA10 6DH and Harbour Road, Ardrossan, KA22 8BZ -Between Troon Harbour, KA10 6DH and Troon Railway Station (Both sides of the railway station) There may also be a requirement to travel to Gourock PA19 1QP in weather disruptions. It is anticipated that a shuttle bus service provision will be needed for a period of up to 21 months therefore, the service will be required to cover both the summer and winter timetables for the ferry service operating between Troon and Brodick/Campbeltown. The service should be available, 363 days per year (Christmas Day and New Year’s Day excluded). The Service Provider will be required to: -provide the ability to flex the service to cover fluctuating demand and to be able to cope with disruptions due to bad weather; -cater for all ages and abilities and have space for the travelling publics luggage and possessions; -consider size of buses to ensure they can manoeuvre the roads around the railway station; -minimising the environmental impact Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.