Shopmobility and Community Transport Soft Market Test

Plymouth City Council is engaging in a soft market test exercise to assess the market's capacity, interest and capability in the provision of Shopmobility, a Demand Responsive Community Transport Service and an Adapted Bike Hire service. These services are highly valued by local residents and visitors to the city who are unable, or find it difficult, to access city centre facilities or travel on conventional bus or taxi services as a result of their age or disability, giving them freedom and independence and enhancing their quality of life.

All services have been provided by an external supplier for many years, with significant input from volunteers, and the Council is seeking views from interested parties able to provide innovative solutions for the sustainable continuation of these services. Whilst there may be funding available to support this provision, the Council is interested in ideas and opportunities that would deliver the requirement and generate income to cover costs.

The current provider benefits from a significant amount of volunteering to help run services. The Council is unable to guarantee that this volunteering will continue under a new contract. Supplier's interested in the opportunity should visit www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk to register their interest and obtain more information about the opportunity.