This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

Award

15 Jul 2026 at 13:47

Award

02 Jul 2026 at 09:58

TenderUpdate

09 Jun 2026 at 15:06

TenderUpdate

05 Jun 2026 at 09:07

Tender

13 May 2026 at 16:31

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the Sunderland Connect Bus Services in July 2026 is conducted by Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. The process, which belongs to the services industry category, specifically focuses on transport services excluding waste transport. This tender aims to enhance public transport links in Sunderland, particularly benefiting the University of Sunderland's students and staff, as well as the general public. Completed on 15th July 2026, the procurement utilised an open and competitive flexible procedure, aligning under the special regime of utilities. The contract period runs from 20th July 2026 to 5th September 2027, delivering public-service buses in the UKC region, United Kingdom.

This tender presents substantial business growth opportunities for SMEs specialising in public transportation and related services. The competitive flexible procedure indicates a welcoming environment for diverse business participation, with a contract value not exceeding £5 million, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises. With a specific emphasis on quality and price, businesses with expertise in efficiently managing and operating transport services will find this tender particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the successful award to JIM HUGHES COACHES LIMITED, a local SME, highlights that businesses capable of providing innovative and reliable transport solutions are well-suited to compete in similar procurements.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Sunderland Connect Bus Services July 2026

Notice Description

Contract given to promote and continue the public transport links in Sunderland, offering a service to the staff and students attending the University of Sunderland, as well as the general public.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06983d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066828-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

34121100 - Public-service buses

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£550,955 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£550,955 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
£520,175 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
£520,175 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
15 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Jun 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
19 Jul 2026 - 5 Sep 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE T/A NEXUS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE4 5DE
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

JIM HUGHES COACHES

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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-06983d-2026-07-15T14:47:05+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-15T14:47:05+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06983d",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
            "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PNTB-4383-VMJH"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "The Spark, Newcastle Helix, St James Boulevard",
                "locality": "Newcastle upon Tyne",
                "postalCode": "NE4 5DE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "tenders@nexus.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.nexus.org.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicUndertaking",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public undertaking"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-04711243",
            "name": "JIM HUGHES COACHES LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "04711243"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PNJR-7467-WWCJ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit N, O'Brien Business Park Durham Road",
                "locality": "Chester Le Street",
                "postalCode": "DH3 2TB",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ian@jhcoaches.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.jhcoaches.com",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
        "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "NEX26/30",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Sunderland Connect Bus Services July 2026",
        "description": "Contract given to promote and continue the public transport links in Sunderland, offering a service to the staff and students attending the University of Sunderland, as well as the general public.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "34121100",
                        "description": "Public-service buses"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "34121100",
                        "description": "Public-service buses"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 661146,
            "amount": 550955,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "The provision of bus services relating to Schools and Work around Tyne and Wear."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "utilities"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Please submit the tenders via OPEN: https://www.open-uk.org/",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-15T15:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-01T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-20T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Contract 1203/MC/S/700",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 268516,
                    "amount": 223763,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 15,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 15,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Contract 1204/MC/S/701",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 392630,
                    "amount": 327192,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 15,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 15,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "044149-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044149-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-13T17:31:01+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "053156-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053156-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-05T10:07:27+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "054420-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054420-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-09T16:06:35+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "Please see tender documentation"
        },
        "riskDetails": "Please see tender documentation"
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 6,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 6,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 4,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "6",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "7",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "8",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Lot 1. Contract 1203/MC/S/700",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2026-06-19T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 227010,
                "amount": 189175,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-04711243",
                    "name": "JIM HUGHES COACHES LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "34121100",
                            "description": "Public-service buses"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "60000000",
                            "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKC",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UKC",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-07-14T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "062128-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062128-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-02T10:58:29+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-07-02T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-07-20T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "2",
            "title": "Lot 2. Contract 1204/MC/S/701",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2026-06-19T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 397200,
                "amount": 331000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-04711243",
                    "name": "JIM HUGHES COACHES LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "2",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "34121100",
                            "description": "Public-service buses"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "60000000",
                            "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKC",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UKC",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "2"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-07-14T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "2"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "062128-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062128-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-02T10:58:29+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-07-02T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-07-20T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "title": "Lot 1. Contract 1203/MC/700",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 227010,
                "amount": 189175,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2026-07-14T00:00:00+01:00",
            "noAgreedMetricsRationale": "Contract Value is not more than PS5 million",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "066828-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066828-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-15T14:47:05+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "2",
            "awardID": "2",
            "title": "Lot 2. Contract 1204/MC/S/701",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2027-09-05T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 397200,
                "amount": 331000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2026-07-14T00:00:00+01:00",
            "noAgreedMetricsRationale": "Contract Value is not more than PS5 million",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "066828-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066828-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-15T14:47:05+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}