Award

Provision of Local Bus Transport for Students to New College Durham

NEW COLLEGE DURHAM

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

21 Nov 2025 at 11:21

Award

27 Oct 2025 at 16:26

Award

02 Oct 2025 at 14:37

Summary of the contracting process

New College Durham has concluded a direct award contract with Go North East Limited for the provision of local bus transport services to facilitate student travel to the college's sites within County Durham. The contract was awarded on 7th November 2025 and is to run until 26th June 2026. The procurement process was governed by the Procurement Act 2023, recognising Go North East's exclusive operational capability to deliver the required services. This contract falls under the services category with a gross value of £1,119,840. The procurement stage is complete, focusing on transport services and involving regular, flexible schedules, numerous access points, affordable solutions, and modern ticketing systems.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for large transport providers with the capacity to handle complex logistical operations, as it requires comprehensive coverage, fleet readiness, and advanced digital service offerings. For businesses in the transport sector, particularly those with established networks and technological infrastructure, participating in similar tenders can enhance their portfolio and secure long-term governmental partnerships. The emphasis on direct award indicates potential for businesses with unique capabilities and resources aligned with specific contract requirements.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Local Bus Transport for Students to New College Durham

Notice Description

The contracting authority has awarded a contract for the provision of local bus transport services to facilitate the travel of students from all surrounding areas to New College Durham sites within County Durham. The service must provide: * Frequent services to accommodate flexible college hours, recognising that students do not always travel within traditional core times. (covering all routes during college hours every 15 minutes) * Numerous pick-up and drop-off locations across the surrounding areas to ensure accessibility for all students. * Affordable transport solutions, taking into account the financial pressures on students and families. * Modern ticketing options, including the use of a mobile app or travel card, to allow easy access, booking, and monitoring of journeys. The service is required for a period of ten (10) months

Procurement Information

This contract is being directly awarded without competition under the relevant provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 on the grounds that only Go North East has the operational capability, fleet availability, established network, and route coverage necessary to deliver the required services in full. Key reasons include: * Exclusive Coverage: Go North East is the sole operator with an existing network of scheduled and supported services covering all surrounding areas of County Durham required for student transport. * Operational Readiness: The provider already operates buses on the required routes and can mobilise immediately without the need for additional infrastructure or licensing. * Service Flexibility: Go North East has the fleet and scheduling capacity to deliver services across a broad range of hours, matching the flexible nature of college timetables. * Accessibility: The operator can provide numerous pick-up and drop-off points to match the college's requirements. * Affordable Travel: Go North East is uniquely positioned to deliver services at affordable student rates through its established fare structures and concessionary schemes. * Digital Ticketing: The provider already offers modern travel solutions including mobile apps and travel cards, which are necessary for student convenience and efficient service management. * No Viable Alternative: Market assessment confirmed that no other local operator can provide comprehensive coverage across the catchment area while meeting the frequency, affordability, and technology requirements.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a723
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075951-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,119,840 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£1,119,840 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Nov 20252 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Oct 20252 months ago
Contract Period
7 Nov 2025 - 26 Jun 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
purchasing@newdur.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5ES
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate and Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

GO NORTH EAST

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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