(b) may only accept an
offer for a service contract if the chief executive considers the offer to be
acceptable for the contract.
(2) In deciding if an
offer for a service contract is acceptable, the chief executive must have
regard to at least the following—
(a) the needs of the community for whose
benefit the service is to be provided;
(b) the ability of each offerer to
meet the minimum service levels and other standards of performance specified
in the offer;
(c) the cost of providing the service;
(d) the need for
sustainability and continuity of services;
(e) any matters prescribed under a
regulation.
(3) In deciding between 2 or more acceptable offers, the chief
executive must select the offer the chief executive considers to be the best
having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) (a) to (e) .
(4) In
this section—
"offer for a service contract" , includes an offer under section 60(2) to
provide a service for an amended service area or route.