Tender

Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

16 Mar 2026 at 09:33

Summary of the contracting process

Surrey County Council is inviting tenders for the Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services, with the aim of delivering sustainable, secure, and reliable Home to School transport services throughout Surrey. This procurement falls under the transport services category, and the Council is utilising an open procedure to secure services for eligible students. The tendering process, managed by Access UK Limited, is currently active with critical dates including the enquiry period ending on 30th March 2026, the tender submission deadline on 10th April 2026, and the award period concluding on 1st May 2026. The project encompasses several lots covering standard, enhanced needs, and complex health transport services, all located in regions UKJ25 and UKJ26.

This tender represents a substantial business opportunity, offering a framework agreement with potential extensions up to 2034, opening avenues for transport operators. Companies providing transport services, particularly those capable of meeting complex requirements such as for clients with special educational needs or complex health issues, stand to benefit considerably by participating in this tender. SMEs and voluntary organisations, including those with CQC registration, are encouraged to apply, given the emphasis on quality over price criteria. The variety within the tender allows for diverse operational capabilities from basic transport provision to specialized health support, providing growth prospects not only through the direct award but also by building a reputation for delivering high-quality public services.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services

Notice Description

Surrey County Council is dedicated to providing sustainable, safe, secure, and reliable Home to School transport services that meet the needs of students across the county. In accordance with the Education Act 1996 and subsequent amendments, the Council ensures that eligible students have access to free or subsidized transport to and from school. The responsibility for providing Home to School transport services primarily lies with the local authority, especially for students who meet specific criteria such as distance from school, special educational needs, or disabilities. When these services require funding support, it becomes the Council's obligation to secure such services through a competitive tendering process. Home to School transport services funded by Surrey County Council are essential in ensuring that students can attend school regularly and punctually. These services help to promote educational attainment, reduce absenteeism, and support the well-being of students by providing a safe and reliable means of travel.

Lot Information

Standard Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats.

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Enhanced Needs Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats. - Routes carrying children with particularly complex special educational or behavioural needs including disabilities - Routes into specialist SEN Schools with challenging requirements - All or the majority of transport into a school - Entire specified geographical areas - An enhanced level of customer service due to special school or parental need

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Complex (Health) Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be Page 5 to 10 commissioned. - Clients that require basic health interventions and assistance including epilepsy, diabetes and other health needs that may necessitate the administration of medication and application of a care plan. These services may require additional training and insurance requirements - Clients that have complex health needs that will require support in regulated activity from a supplier that has the appropriate CQC Registration.

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066a8e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023306-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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
£595,200,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£560,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Mar 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
10 Apr 20266 days to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 28 Feb 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
2026-05-05

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

ACCESS UK LIMITED

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
REIGATE
Postcode
RH2 8EF
Post Town
Redhill
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
TLJ25 West Surrey, TLJ26 East Surrey

Local Authority
Charnwood
Electoral Ward
Loughborough Ashby
Westminster Constituency
Loughborough

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-066a8e-2026-03-16T09:33:28Z",
    "date": "2026-03-16T09:33:28Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-066a8e",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PWRH-8974-TNBV",
            "name": "Surrey County Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PWRH-8974-TNBV"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill",
                "locality": "Reigate",
                "postalCode": "RH2 8EF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ26"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ProcurementPMO@eastsussex.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02343760",
            "name": "Access UK Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02343760"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PBNW-7697-HCPQ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Armstrong Building Oakwood Drive",
                "locality": "Loughborough",
                "postalCode": "LE11 3QF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKF22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "servelec.lg.bids@theaccessgroup.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "SCC will use Access Uk IT solution to manage the tendering and awarding of contracts to approved transport operators who provide school transport for SCC school children. The tendering platform provides the ability to advertise, onboard and communicate routes for tender to approved operators.",
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.theaccessgroup.com"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PWRH-8974-TNBV",
        "name": "Surrey County Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Both Pipeline Notice and Preliminary Market Engagement notices have been published, however I'm unable to link them to this notice. Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services UK1: Pipeline notice Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-024067 Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-051b42 DW SCC Market Engagement for Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-024680 Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-051b42"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-066a8e",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services",
        "description": "Surrey County Council is dedicated to providing sustainable, safe, secure, and reliable Home to School transport services that meet the needs of students across the county. In accordance with the Education Act 1996 and subsequent amendments, the Council ensures that eligible students have access to free or subsidized transport to and from school. The responsibility for providing Home to School transport services primarily lies with the local authority, especially for students who meet specific criteria such as distance from school, special educational needs, or disabilities. When these services require funding support, it becomes the Council's obligation to secure such services through a competitive tendering process. Home to School transport services funded by Surrey County Council are essential in ensuring that students can attend school regularly and punctually. These services help to promote educational attainment, reduce absenteeism, and support the well-being of students by providing a safe and reliable means of travel.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ26",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ26",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ26",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 686979840,
            "amount": 595200000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "isOpenFrameworkScheme": true,
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "Please refer to Appendix 2 Operational Guide, Appendix 3 Application Guide and Invitation to Tender for further details.",
                "openFrameworkSchemeEndDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
            }
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/surrey-county-council-client-transport-services-2026-2034",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-10T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-30T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-01T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Standard Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 249307200,
                    "amount": 216000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-05-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Enhanced Needs Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats. - Routes carrying children with particularly complex special educational or behavioural needs including disabilities - Routes into specialist SEN Schools with challenging requirements - All or the majority of transport into a school - Entire specified geographical areas - An enhanced level of customer service due to special school or parental need",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 341643200,
                    "amount": 296000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-05-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Complex (Health) Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be Page 5 to 10 commissioned. - Clients that require basic health interventions and assistance including epilepsy, diabetes and other health needs that may necessitate the administration of medication and application of a care plan. These services may require additional training and insurance requirements - Clients that have complex health needs that will require support in regulated activity from a supplier that has the appropriate CQC Registration.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 55401600,
                    "amount": 48000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-05-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "url": "https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/surrey-county-council-client-transport-services-2026-2034"
            },
            {
                "id": "023306-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023306-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-03-16T09:33:28Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2026-05-05T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    "relatedProcesses": [
        {
            "id": "prior",
            "relationship": [
                "prior"
            ],
            "scheme": "ocid",
            "identifier": "ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3",
            "uri": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/api/1.0/ocdsReleasePackages/ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}