No bids to run new Torbay fast ferry service

THE process to find an operator to run a new frequent ferry between Torquay and Brixham, due to be launched this month, has started again.

No operators responded when the new flagship service went out to tender last year.

Torbay Council had originally said five operators had shown interest in the new service but after it was confirmed that no operators had bid, the council said it was continuing to talk to potential companies.

One local operator claimed it was no surprise that nobody had bid.

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Will Ford, managing director of Greenway Ferry Pleasure Cruises, said he did not believe the business case for the service stacked up as it had been drawn up before fares were cut by competition among existing operators.

The council received £2.75million Government cash towards its Travel Torbay Regeneration Project which included the ferry scheme and cycle route improvements, with the council funding £1.5million and expecting significant investment from the private sector.

A Torbay Council spokesman said: "We are intending to re-tender for the ferry service and will issue a new contract and specification for this process, so the terms are likely to be different.

"Construction of the pontoons has not yet started although the contract has been awarded."