Issue details

On 19 September 2024, the Highways and Transport Committee approved proposals to extend FlexiLink hours of operation, on a trial basis, and make it available for use by all passengers who do not have access to a fixed-route bus service. Authority was delegated to the Director of Infrastructure and Highways to identify the most cost effective delivery model for flexible transport which also meets the provision for home-to-school special educational needs and disability (SEND) transport, in consultation with the Director of Education, Strong Start and Integration; and to procure the Council’s supported bus services including flexible transport

On 19 June 2025, the Highways and Transport Committee approved a specification for a modernised DRT service as part of the Council’s transformation programme and delegated authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure to deliver the service in line with the specification.

To operate the modernised DRT service in line with the approved specification, the Council needs to procure a software system for booking and scheduling passenger journeys, enabling passengers to share the same vehicle and optimise operating efficiency. The Council has an existing contract with Via Technologies Europe B.V.  which was made with Ansa Environmental Services Limited. This contract expires on 31 March 2026 and there is no mechanism by which this can be extended.