Planning

Bus Reform - Commercial Market Testing

NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

06 Nov 2025 at 14:42

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The North East Combined Authority is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for a project titled "Bus Reform - Commercial Market Testing," within the transport services sector. The primary focus is on developing a proposed bus franchising scheme under the Transport Act 2000, as amended by the Bus Services Act 2017. The authority is located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, and is seeking to engage with the bus market to refine the commercial terms of the scheme. A market engagement notice was published on 6th November 2025, and businesses are invited to request 1-2-1 sessions or submit comments by 14th November 2025. This engagement is a preliminary market testing exercise and is not part of any pre-procurement phase.

This tender presents opportunities for businesses involved in transport services, particularly those with an interest in franchising schemes. It is well-suited for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) due to the light-touch regime and the inclusive nature of the opportunity. Companies with innovative business models and a strong understanding of the UK transport policy framework may find this engagement beneficial for expanding their operations and influencing future tenders in the region.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Bus Reform - Commercial Market Testing

Notice Description

On 8 August 2024, the North East Combined Authority published notice of its intention to prepare an assessment of a proposed bus franchising scheme in accordance with section 123B and section 123C(4) of the Transport Act 2000, as amended by the Bus Services Act 2017 (Transport Act 2000) The North East CA is developing the Franchising Scheme Assessment and is now seeking to engage with the bus market in order to inform the definition of the proposed franchising scheme. Bus Reform legislation and guidance requires the CA to state whether the commercial terms are likely to be attractive to operators - including a summary of the extent to which both incumbent and new operators are expected to bid. The North East CA has prepared market testing materials including a note covering the proposed franchising scheme, and a questionnaire to gather operator views on the proposed commercial model. There is also an opportunity to request a 1-2-1 session with the North East CA. The deadline to request 1-2-1 meetings and submit a questionnaire is the 14th November 2025. To receive the market testing materials or for any further information please contact Rachel.smith1@northeast-ca.gov.uk. This market testing exercise does not form part of any pre-procurement.

Planning Information

To receive the market testing materials or for any further information please contact Rachel.smith1@northeast-ca.gov.uk.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dbf1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071682-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE4 5BZ
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Arthur's Hill
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

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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