GHA Group (Bryn Melyn, Vale Travel + Others)

[Garsty]

RE: GHA Group (Bryn Melyn, Vale Travel + Others)

(15/08/2016 20:37)Dentonian Wrote:  But on what grounds legally (not morally) can they refuse to award the contracts to a company that has been granted a licence, and has no existing ban against them? Remember, Local Authorities are bound to award contracts to the cheapest bidder, unless that bidder is *legally* ineligible. The first loyalty of any Transport Authority is to the Tax-payer, not the bus passenger.

Absolutely, it's the inherent problem facing councils at the moment with budget cuts. The Council would not have had a choice and 'New GHA' have made sure to get these before (if) any inquires happen as these would have had to been declared and could have stopped them receiving the tenders. With them applying with those companies rather than 'GHA' things such as that H&S breach would not be taken into account, even if everyone (them and the Council) are aware of what has happened.

For the 30% 'Quality' to have obviously not had much input on the outcome it would be right to assume that 'New GHAs' bid was probably rather low.

The thing to note is that these are emergency tenders until 31st March 2017, by the time they are renewed things should have been sorted out a bit.

On a different note, it will be interesting to see what is going to happen with 'New GHA' in terms of vehicles, depots, name etc and it would have to happen rather quality as those tenders are to start ASAP based on a short notice approval from the TC.

Also: The 15-plate Solos have appeared on the Ensign website (YJ15 AYE pictured) http://www.ensignbus.com/2015-optare-solo.html