Press Release issued by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) regarding the Tiger bus routes

January 9, 2025

Stagecoach East is proud of its consistent track record in working in partnership with CPCA, to help deliver the Mayor’s vision for bus services.

We are therefore saddened yesterday evening to be made aware of a press release talking about an unnamed bus operator who has withdrawn its bids for new Tiger bus routes, which were originally due to start on the 29th November 24.

To end the current media speculation, we wish to clarify the following:
• We have not withdrawn from the tender process, the decision to retender the routes was taken by the CPCA
• Inconsistencies in the award letter caused several delays in the conclusion of the contract and we worked at pace with the CPCA to try and resolve these.
• These delays and then the subsequent Government announcement on the National Insurance (NI) increase (which pushed up significantly the cost of provision) meant we asked for an increase in the tender prices to be considered
• We also identified concerns over the legality of operating a tendered service where a commercial one exists.

Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East said, “We remain committed to working with CPCA to deliver more bus services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough but need the time and clarity in the procurement process to do this.”