Planning

Smart Bus Timetables

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Feb 2026 at 15:26

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council is in the planning stage of procuring smart bus timetables technology as part of its effort to pilot ePaper solutions at select stops in the East of England. This initiative is categorised under IT services, with classification tags including hardware consultancy, software development, and internet services. The council aims to leverage the 2026 Bus Grant for the project, and the engagement phase is set to conclude on 23rd February 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Rachael Flynn for potential involvement, with the council's headquarters located in Chelmsford, England.

This procurement presents a significant opportunity for growth in the technology and consultancy sectors, particularly for SMEs and VCSEs, who can offer innovative solutions for public transport infrastructure. Businesses specialising in software programming, system support, and data services stand to benefit from addressing Essex County Council's needs for smart timetables technology. The remote-update capability for ePaper stops is a key aspect of this initiative, attracting firms skilled in IT consulting and systems analysis. This tender seeks the competitive expertise of companies across computer-related services to ensure the successful execution and management of the project.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Smart Bus Timetables

Notice Description

Essex County Council is currently looking to pilot smart bus timetable technology in select stops in Essex. Through investment of the 2026 Bus Grant money, there is an opportunity to invest in ePaper technology for key stops in Essex. This investment would convert certain paper bus stop timetables which host 'Where To Catch Your Bus' artworks to electronic paper. This would allow IPTU staff members to update ePaper stops remotely as soon as they have a timetable update or pertinent change without the need to visit. Shortlist of locations (circa 30). If you are interested in this future opportunity please contact by email: Rachael.flynn@essex.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-36533961-c255-41a3-81ea-4da994ac1f51
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/634e6d8e-6c02-4df1-83c3-4520b5136148
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

72100000 - Hardware consultancy services

72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

72210000 - Programming services of packaged software products

72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services

72230000 - Custom software development services

72240000 - Systems analysis and programming services

72250000 - System and support services

72260000 - Software-related services

72300000 - Data services

72400000 - Internet services

72500000 - Computer-related services

72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services

72700000 - Computer network services

72800000 - Computer audit and testing services

72900000 - Computer back-up and catalogue conversion services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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