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Bus Service Improvement Programme

DfTc - Department for Transport

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

13 Aug 2026 at 13:16

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Transport commissioned transport systems consultancy services for its Bus Service Improvement Programme. The appointed consultant is to support local transport authorities in developing their bus service improvement plans. This is a services contract, covering consultancy rather than the direct operation of bus services or physical transport works. The stated classification is transport systems consultancy services (CPV 71311200). Delivery spans the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Europe, British Overseas Territories and other locations worldwide. The requirement is therefore relevant to consultancies with experience in public transport planning, bus networks, local authority support and the development of practical service improvement plans across multiple jurisdictions.

The procurement has been completed and awarded through a selective procedure as a call-off from a framework agreement. Bids were due by 20 July 2026 at 14:00. The award was made on 12 August 2026 to OVE Arup and Partners for £1,340,000. The contract period runs from 13 August 2026 to 29 June 2029. The procurement is identified as a single requirement rather than separate lots. The stated basis is the provision of consultancy services for developing bus service improvement plans, with the selection made through the framework call-off route. The Department for Transport is the buyer and the awarded supplier is a large organisation.

This award provides a clear indication of demand from the Department for Transport for specialist advice supporting local transport authorities and bus service improvement planning. A credible future competitor would need strong transport systems consultancy capability, including evidence of shaping bus networks, assessing service improvements and translating analysis into plans that authorities can implement. Experience of working with central government, local authorities and other public transport stakeholders would be commercially relevant, particularly where a team must coordinate work across several locations. The requirement is also marked as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprises, so smaller specialist consultancies or collaborative teams may be well placed where they can demonstrate sufficient capacity, relevant expertise and public-sector delivery experience.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Bus Service Improvement Programme

Notice Description

A contract to provide consultancy services to local transport authorities to develop their bus service improvement plans

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-06160c62-b426-4b95-8651-000d56b2ee57
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9a669815-c99b-4b9b-ab89-5329a3a55c51
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71311200 - Transport systems consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,340,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,340,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
20 Jul 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
12 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
13 Aug 2026 - 29 Jun 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DfTc - Department for Transport
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DR
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Vincent Square
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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