A CONTRACT for operating core bus services in the region has been awarded without any competitive tendering.
Scottish Borders Council has given the £4 million contract for the 51/52, 60, 67 and 68 services to Borders Busses.
According to the local authority, which spends around £3.5 million a year to subsidise loss-making bus routes in the Borders, only Berwick-upon-Tweed based Borders Buses is able to deliver the required services on several core routes.
A spokesman said: "It is clear from detailed market research, particularly considered alongside the geography of the Borders area that there is no commercial or other type of market operator in a position to bid for the group of services in question."
Borders Buses is owned by Craig of Campbeltown Ltd purchased locally-operated Perrymans several years ago.
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