Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock

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Document Reference Number OA/13 Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock 3 BRT NETWORK OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK 3.1 In autumn 2011, the four West of England (WoE) councils developed a Draft Joint Procurement Strategy (JPS) (CD/B2) covering the five major transport schemes that comprise the WoE major scheme programme. The programme consists of three BRT schemes, plus Bath Package and Weston Package which are multi-modal schemes. The draft JPS (CD/B2) set out three main frameworks to deliver an integrated BRT network: BRT Infrastructure Delivery Framework BRT ITS and Ticketing Delivery Framework BRT Network Operational Framework 3.2 The draft JPS (CD/B2) identified significant scope for the joint procurement of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) & Ticketing and BRT Network Operations, between the three schemes. This joined up procurement approach will provide economies of scale, drive delivery efficiencies and optimise BRT network integration. Since autumn 2011 the three BRT schemes have undertaken further engagement with the supply chain, including civil engineering contractors, hardware and software suppliers, bus manufactures and bus operators (OA/13/2, Appendix 1). This engagement has enabled the three BRT schemes to better understand the marketplace, and identify the most appropriate procurement approach and contractual arrangements. The JPS (CD/B2) is currently in the process of being finalised and is programmed to be completed and signed off in May 2012. BRT Network Operational Principles 3.3 The three BRT schemes have been developed on the basis of scheme wide principles relating to scheme infrastructure, ITS and Operations. A major theme has been the need to reduce journey times and to improve journey time reliability. This principle relates mainly to the provision of appropriate BRT infrastructure. The key difference that sets the BRT schemes aside from conventional highway infrastructure schemes, is that delivery to the end user requires a major operational interface, in respect of the on-going operation of the bus services and the supporting ITS hardware and software. The BRT infrastructure and the ITS hardware and software will be owned and managed by the councils as explained further. 3.4 The BRT network is to be delivered based on the following operational principles: Page 7
Document Reference Number OA/13 Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock BRT services will provide an uplift in quality and level of service compared with existing bus services; The BRT infrastructure will reduce journey times and increase journey time reliability / punctuality; Easiness of use will be a driving philosophy in the delivery of BRT services, this will involve a wide range of factors from level boarding between platform stops and buses, vehicle features (DDA, on-board information etc.) to convenient ticketing options and interchange facilities; BRT infrastructure will be ‘open access’, where any bus operator will be able to use the BRT infrastructure, subject to adherence to: appropriate quality standards, minimum levels of service, contributing to meeting scheme objectives and delivery of customer service expectations. This may include a combination of competitively tendered and commercial bus services; All bus operators are to sign up to a joint branding and marketing agreement, to assist the integrated delivery of the BRT network and wider bus network; BRT services are not projected to require on-going subsidy after the initial period to establish services. Any revenues from services that generate an operating surplus will be reinvested back into the public transport network; Boarding times (Stop dwell times) will be minimised through the rollout of a BRT network wide smartcard ticketing system, as part of a wider sub-regional smartcard ticketing project; Fares will be competitive compared with non-public transport modes; There will be an ethos of delivering and maintaining high quality customer service, through both traditional methods and the use of smart technology; and The combined delivery of the BRT infrastructure, ITS & Ticketing and BRT services will achieve the establishment of an integrated BRT network, together with improvements to the wider bus network. 3.5 The BRT Network Operational Framework will comprise work streams for the delivery and on-going operation of the AVTM BRT Scheme and the subsequent BRT schemes; South Bristol Link and North Fringe to Hengrove Package, that together form the basis of the BRT Network. These work streams include: Procurement of Bus Services (BRT Services and Feeder Bus Services); and BRT Network Operation (Management and Maintenance). Page 8
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Proof of Evidence of Mr James Willcock

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