Taxi Driver Online

Council recognised for online transport scheme



Gloucestershire county council has been praised for an internet scheme which has saved the taxpayer £500,000.

The online marketplace works in a similar way to eBay, with bus and taxi companies bidding for contracts to cover the daily school run.

The scheme, called @UK, has now been highly commended in the National Local Council Awards.

Gloucestershire County Council was the first in the country to adopt the scheme.

Project manager Andy Burford said: "The previous system involved using a slow, costly paper and fax based process where staff had to trawl through hard copy lists of 40 approved suppliers, sending out faxes to invite them to tender in a closed market system.

"This often meant the same handful of suppliers were asked for prices and there were higher costs for short notice transport requests.

"Now, with the click of a button, 62 providers registered on @UK have the opportunity to bid, increasing the number of bidders.

"Not only has this saved the council's time and money - ensuring it offers better value for money - but suppliers have been given the opportunity to diversify and develop their businesses."

Cllr Stan Waddington, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for environment, said: "With so much pressure on budgets coming from spiralling insurance, wage and fuel costs, full marks to our transport team for taking a good look at the Home to School Transport Tendering process and coming up with the idea of an @UK online marketplace.

"Somerset Council has now adopted a similar system and other authorities across the country are thinking of following suit, whilst having your work recognised by your peers through the Local Government Awards is particularly gratifying."

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Good idea.

Regards

JD

_________________
Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

I agree......provided they dont always go for the cheaper option.

The cheaper price invariably isnt consistent with quality.

regards

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

yes I agree, a Jacobs survey instantly springs to mind.

Regards

JD

_________________
Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

I couldnt possibly comment

regards

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

What's that

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

I think JD's refering to a report paid for to 'fight' the OFT report back in 2003 (ish)

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin