'All-in' enders?
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OPERATORS may be forced by "package deals" to seek future lers for the supply of complete buses, rather than separate les and chassis, Lothian Region's transport committee chairman :remand told CM fter a council meeting last k, he said that traditional tening arrangements, with Brats tenders being sought bodywork and chassis, may longer be appropriate in an when manufacturers like land can quote a "factory e" price for a complete ice.
he council meeting had ted three bodybuilders to reJer for 34 bodies on Leyland rpian chassis which Lothian Ares for delivery around the of this year.
ythian earlier agreed to place order with Eastern Coach -ks, as part of an order for iplete vehicles from Leyland , but Alexander contested decision, on the basis of LeyI having transferred some of body charges on to the chas(CM, January 1). Alexander atened to invoke EEC legis)n on business competition. Ithough the price difference ween ECW's tender and Alex
ander's was not great, financing arrangements on the chassis meant that it widened to around £900 on each complete bus.
The council agreed to seek new tenders from ECW, Alexander, and East Lancs, as their earlier tenders conformed to the operator's specifications, and these will be considered later this week.
Mr Cramond told CM that it is essential that an early decision be taken on the body contract, as the operator is determined to replace five per cent of its fleet each year, and it must fit in with its suppliers' production schedules.
He said that it was a false economy to keep older vehicles for a longer period, and added that the 34 vehicles were required before the new bus grant scheme ends in March next year.
While the 1983 vehicle programme must be considered on the traditional basis, he said the council would have to consider whether to adopt a new policy for future tenders.