What's Happening?
The cost of a consultancy review of Shetland's bus network by Stantec has increased by nearly £100,000, bringing the total to £230,000. The review, initially quoted at £137,000, expanded in scope to include additional stakeholder and market engagement
activities. This increase has pushed ZetTrans, the transport partnership, £18,000 over its quarterly budget. The review aims to envision the future of bus travel in the isles, including school and public routes. Some council members have questioned the necessity of outsourcing the review, suggesting it could have been conducted in-house.
Why It's Important?
The rising costs of the bus service review highlight challenges in managing public sector consultancy projects, particularly in terms of budget adherence and scope management. The review's outcome is crucial for planning efficient and sustainable public transportation in Shetland, impacting local residents' mobility and access to services. The situation raises questions about the reliance on external consultants for public projects and the potential benefits of developing in-house expertise to manage similar tasks, which could lead to cost savings and more tailored solutions.
What's Next?
The transport partnership will need to address the budget overrun and justify the increased costs to the Shetland Islands Council. The review's findings will inform future decisions on bus service contracts, which have been delayed until August next year. Stakeholders, including local government and community members, will be keen to see how the review's recommendations are implemented to improve public transportation. The council may also consider strategies to enhance internal capabilities for future projects to avoid similar cost escalations.
