Award

Chelmsford Park and Ride

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

22 Dec 2025 at 15:34

Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council has recently awarded a contract for the Chelmsford Park and Ride services, covering Sandon and Chelmer Valley routes, aimed at reducing congestion and encouraging sustainable transportation. The procurement process saw the participation of notable bidders, leading to the award being granted to First Essex Buses Limited. This contract, valued at £15,960,000, spans an initial period of four years starting from 6 March 2026, with the possibility of a three-year extension. The procurement method used was an open competitive flexible procedure, and the entire process progressed from initial tender to award with key deadlines such as the standstill period ending on 6 January 2026. The buying authority, Essex County Council, plays a central role in ensuring the alignment with the sustainable transport strategy of the area, overseeing the services intended for Chelmsford and the broader Essex region.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses in the public transportation sector, particularly those specialising in the provision of high-quality, frequent bus services. The procurement process was designed to incorporate criteria such as price, quality, social value, and climate considerations, enabling businesses with capabilities in these areas to enhance their market position. Companies offering innovative solutions for reducing city centre congestion and meeting environmental objectives will find this procurement process conducive to business growth. The involvement of both large enterprises like First Essex Buses and SMEs such as Stephensons of Essex indicates a competitive yet inclusive tender process, enabling various scale businesses to engage and expand their operations within the public transport industry.

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Notice Title

Chelmsford Park and Ride

Notice Description

Chelmsford Park and Ride Services for - Sandon Park and Ride Service and Chelmer Valley Park and Ride Service, for an initial contract term of four years. The strategic aim of the Park and Ride (P&R) Services in Essex is to reduce congestion and provide a high quality frequent bus service as an attractive alternative to driving and parking in the city centre.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050cb5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085511-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60112000 - Public road transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£15,960,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
22 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
6 Mar 2026 - 5 Mar 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Amelia Hickin
Contact Email
amelia.hickin@essex.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

FIRST ESSEX BUSES

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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