Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a bus towing service provider to provide reliable, efficient, and cost-effective towing services for buses that break down en route and cannot be repaired on the scene. The service aims to ensure that broken-down buses are towed to the nearest depot or safe parking area, thereby eliminating irregular expenditure and supporting LDPT's operational needs over a period of three years.

Scope

The scope of the tender includes:

• Provision of 24/7 bus towing services across all LDPT routes within South Africa.
• Assistance with towing buses that are not repairable on the breakdown site to the nearest depot or safe parking space.
• Assistance with towing specific bus models, including Mercedes Benz (VIN: 9BM6340619B649766) and MAN HB4 (VIN: AAMHB40450PX22754).
• Provision of towing services on an as-and-when-required basis for a period of three years.
• Ensuring response times within one hour of request.
• Provision of proof of ownership/lease of heavy-duty towing trucks and insurance coverage.
• Coverage of all LDPT routes within South Africa.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the service provider include:

• Availability of heavy-duty towing trucks with proof of ownership or lease (Roadworthy/Registration certificate).
• Capability to provide towing services 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Response time within one hour from request.
• Provision of towing equipment suitable for heavy-duty buses.
• Adherence to towing industry standards for safe towing and scene rehabilitation, including spill cleanup if necessary.
• Liability insurance covering damages or loss during towing services.
• Ability to tow specific bus models and return removed mechanical parts to LDPT.
• Provision of a standard rate per kilometer for towing and travel, inclusive of toll fees.

Skills Requirements

The skills and qualifications required from the service provider include:

• Demonstrable experience in heavy-duty vehicle towing, preferably buses or similar large vehicles.
• Proof of ownership or lease of heavy-duty towing trucks capable of handling buses.
• Ability to operate towing equipment safely and in accordance with industry standards.
• Capacity to respond promptly within one hour of request.
• Insurance coverage for damages or incidents during towing operations.
• Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including vehicle registration and licensing.
• Provision of references from current clients and evidence of operational footprint across South Africa.