Planning

Mainstream, SEN, and Local Bus Services Transport

THE NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

02 Apr 2026 at 09:13

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

23 May 2025 at 14:11

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The North Yorkshire Council is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for an "Open Framework" aimed at providing passenger transport services, including mainstream, Special Educational Need (SEN), and local bus services across North Yorkshire. This initiative is designed to ensure suitable travel arrangements for approximately 13,000 pupils daily and maintain essential transport services for communities where commercial provision is inadequate. The procurement process will be conducted under the UK Procurement Act 2023, with planning webinars scheduled for May 2026 to assist transport operators. The contract period for the bus services is set from October 2026 to September 2029, with a possibility of extension up to 2034. The latest communication regarding future notices is planned by 20th May 2026, highlighting a structured timetable for interested parties.

This procurement presents a valuable opportunity for businesses in the transport sector, particularly those skilled in providing educational transport services and community access solutions. SMEs and VCSEs with the ability to fulfil significant service requirements would find this tender attractive due to its long-term potential and considerable scale. By joining the planned open framework, businesses would gain access to various procurement opportunities within the North Yorkshire region, enabling them to expand their operations and reinforce their community engagement. Engaging in this framework also allows businesses to adapt to evolving legal and operational standards under the new Procurement Act, fostering sustainable business growth.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mainstream, SEN, and Local Bus Services Transport

Notice Description

The Council intends to establish an Open Framework, from which passenger transport services across North Yorkshire will be procured in the future. The Council has responsibility to make suitable travel arrangements where necessary to allow children access to learning and transports approximately 13000 pupils to school and college every day. Additionally, the Council, procures local bus and community transport services where it considers that an adequate level of service is not provided by the commercial sector to maintain some essential access for communities to health, food, education and work.

Planning Information

North Yorkshire Council are working with Go4Growth who are available to assist transport operators in understanding the new Procurement Act 2023 processes, to support you in tendering for public sector opportunities if you need their help. Webinars will be taking place in May 2026 providing further information on requirements, Go4Growth support and Procurement timelines. If you want to be notified of upcoming webinars, please send an email to charlotte.stolarski@northyorks.gov.uk stating "Passenger Transport webinars". This will ensure that you are added to the list. Further information including how to apply, will be circulated in due course; however, it is envisaged that this new model of commissioning services will be published around May/June 2026.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-052396
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030703-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£208,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
20 May 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE NORTH YORKSHIRE 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
NORTHALLERTON
Postcode
DL7 8AD
Post Town
Darlington
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE22 North Yorkshire
Delivery Location
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLE2 North Yorkshire
Local Authority
North Yorkshire
Electoral Ward
Romanby
Westminster Constituency
Richmond and Northallerton

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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