Integrated Passenger Transport Policy - Worcestershire County ...

2.7.1 Procurement arrangements are generally mode specific, with a complex range of procurementmethods used for the various networks.2.7.2 Rail franchises are procured directly by the DfT. This franchising process is carefully managed tomaximise investment in the railway and to provide value for money. The franchises in Worcestershireas follows:Chiltern Railways Deutsche Bahn 1st April 2002 31st March 2022Cross Country Arriva 11thNovember 2007 31stMarch 2016First Great Western First Group 1stApril 2006 31stMarch 2016London Midland Govia 11thNovember 2007 19thSeptember 20152.7.3 Policy relating to the provision of rail franchises is likely to change under the Coalition Government,however, it can be seen from the table above that 2015/2016 presents an important opportunity togenerate improvements to the rail network in Worcestershire.2.7.4 Bus services operated under tender to Worcestershire County Council are now procured using theinnovative e-tendering process, which requires all prospective operators to join a pre-qualifyingframework, prior to being able to bid for tendered services. The operators then engage in a biddingprocess, with the winning bid chosen according to its compliance with pre-specified tender criteria(which can include facets such as quality and cost).2.7.5 Taxis and community transport services are procured directly by users in Worcestershire. At the timeof writing, some taxi firms bid for education and social service contracts through the Worcestershiree-tendering process. Community transport operators do not currently bid for contracts through thee-tendering process.