SPT seems likely to run the Kilcreggan ferry until August 2018, after an invitation to win a new contract was finally published this week.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport says the next contract it issues for the service between the Rosneath Peninsula, due to take effect next April, will be for at least 16 months – but could be for as long as seven years.
Transport Scotland has committed to taking over the service ‘in principle’, but the new contract by SPT would build flexibility in case the transfer doesn’t take place by April, when the current contract expires.
If that is the case, the contract would be longer than the five-year term used previously – and significantly it would not be awarded on the basis purely of cost as before, as 20% of the weighting in the award decision will be based on quality, with SPT saying it reserves the right to inspect vessels, engineering and other resources before making its decision.
Likely ticket costs are those currently charged, with the current timetable – reduced by three sailings a day since the contract was taken over by Clydelink in 2012 – being indicated.
Despite lobbying by Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council there is no specific indication of a later evening sailing for commuters being an option, although tender documents suggest changes could be considered – including some sailings which are not ‘essential’ being cut: “Timetable as now although SPT will welcome alternative proposals or suggestions and give them careful consideration.
“For example, should you consider that some journeys are especially costly to operate, you may want to suggest a timetable which does not have these journeys.
“A different timetable could also be suggested if you think that it will give passengers a better service.”
Only the following services – on weekdays only – are described as essential: 6.41 and 07.27, and 17.02 from Kilcreggan Monday to Thursday and 13.19 hours from Kilcreggan on Fridays.
These sailings would all be best suited for workers travelling to Faslane or Coulport, and no services for Rosneath Peninsula residents are classed as essential in this way.
Concerning the duration of the contract, and referring to the decision by Transport Scotland concerning both Dunoon and Kilcreggan ferries, documents state: “The contract shall be for an initial term of 16 months.
“Subject to satisfactory performance of the contract in the initial term and future decisions on the delivery of ferry services operating from Gourock, the contract MAY (their emphasis) be extended by SPT for a further period or periods, together totalling no longer than seven years. “
The documents state that TUPE legislation – where a new employer takes on liabilities and contracts for existing staff – may apply, advising: “As a successful tenderer may be a potential transferee for the purpose of TUPE, tenderers should seek legal advice as to whether TUPE will be likely to apply to the proposed contract(s), and if so, reflect the financial implications of such a transfer in their tender(s).”
Regarding boats, the documents stipulate a seating capacity of at least 60 but do not state any other requirements: “The Invitation to tender does not specify types of vessels to be used in operating the tendered services.
“This reflects SPT’s wish not unreasonably to preclude any proposal on grounds of vessel type subject to the vessel having the required minimum seating capacity, being of the appropriate classification for the route and having all necessary certification, approvals and insurance.
“Any formal contract arising from this invitation to tender may specify the vessels agreed to be used by the successful tenderer and, consequently, you should include in your tender details of all vessels you may wish to use.”
The conditions of the contract are far more detailed than previously, covering circumstances where either the boat or crew do not have the necessary licences or certification, as happened soon after the contract was awarded in 2012.
Tenders will be opened on December 12 and SPT reserves the right not to award the contract to any bidder.
The documents can be downloaded here: cover-letter ferry-conditions-of-contract-2017-101116 certificate-of-equality-policy espds ferry-conditions-of-contract-2017-101116 optional-tender-explanation-form qft-service-tender-document tender-guidance-notes 
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