Adshel readies itself to fight off Scottish bus challenge

Adshel is preparing to defend its hold on the Strathclyde bus shelter contracts, including the prestigious Glasgow city centre account, against bids from rival JC Decaux.

Bus shelter advertising for 12 unitary authorities, including Glasgow, are expected to go out to pitch from this summer. The pitch coincides with a review of the way the advertising is managed by the Passenger Transport Authority and its executive.

According to industry estimates, tenders for the Glasgow contract could involve investment of more than 2m in bus shelters and street furniture. Bidders will be expected to offer services such as maintenance and cleaning. Contracts for free-standing units could be tendered separately.

With about 400 local authorities in the UK, contracts come up for renewal quite regularly but Glasgow, with a population of 750,000, is one of the biggest this year. Contracts usually last between ten and 20 years.

JC Decaux has about 6,000 panels but no accounts in Scotland. Brand leader Adshel – part of the More Group – has 30,000 panels.