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October 02, 2005
Quotes from Government
I've spent much of today preparing an argued case to have the level of service on the Swindon (Melksham, Trowbridge, Salisbury) - Southampton route reconsidered at the time that the Greater Western Franchise is awarded and beyond. We've got a good case, I feel - six very good factors for them to consider which have arisen AFTER the invitation to tender was prepared, rather than asking them to go over ground on which they've already taken a position.
The web ... and freedom of information ... are a marvellous source of data, though it can take many hours to find things. And sometimes you find some real nuggets!
"DfT has asked for proposals on how consultation on forthcoming Franchise Specifications may be minimised ... " Oh - wow. I think that says that they want to set up the new franchises with as little possible outside input as they can get away with ...
"On GW, XXX noted that consultation being conducted concurrently with issuing of ITT would be unpopular with stakeholders, although some consultation was already being carried out through the Great Western RUS. It was agreed that simultaneous consultation and issuing of the ITT was the only viable option remaining. If any substantial changes became necessary as a result of consultation they could be implemented either at the preferred bidder stage or through the variation mechanism after the start of the franchise." And I think that says that they're issuing the invitation to tender even though the consultation process as to what should be in it isn't complete. But never mind, there's a mechanism to alter it later if that has to be ...
Actually, I'm heartened by the quotes. It gives me high moral ground (at least) to say "You didn't consult properly" and "it's not too late - you CAN take your customers into account; you DO have a mechanism". But at the same time, I'll admit to sitting here for a minute or two, open mouthed, when I found http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_foi/documents/divisionhomepage/041078.hcsp
Posted by gje at October 2, 2005 09:26 PM