This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

13 Jul 2026 at 08:33

Tender

06 Jul 2026 at 14:00

Planning

21 May 2026 at 12:03

Summary of the contracting process

Transport for Wales (TfW) is at the helm of an active procurement endeavour to appoint operators to run a new express coach service connecting Bangor and Carmarthen, in support of the Welsh Government's sustainable transport objectives. This open procurement, steered by a competitive flexible procedure, is centralised in the public road transport services industry, delivering along the west coast of Wales within the UKL region. Potential bidders should note significant dates: the tender closing on 3rd August 2026, with the awarding expected by 18th August 2026, and the service operational by 25th October 2026. The ambition is to boost public transport connectivity, enhancing passenger experience and aligning with strategic national transport plans.

This tender offers considerable opportunities for businesses involved in road transport and public service operations, with a total contract value of £10.4 million. The service aims to cater to students, tourists, and other long-distance travellers, presenting an attractive proposition for operators skilled in high-quality service delivery. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are particularly suitable candidates, given the tender's bespoke criteria allowing for potential contract renewals extending to October 2030. Engaging in this venture could facilitate business growth by embedding operators within a critical public transport supply chain, fostering innovation and future-proofing through strategic sector collaboration with government efforts for an integrated transport network.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

North-South Wales Coach Operator Service (Bangor - Carmarthen)

Notice Description

The Welsh Government (WG) and Transport for Wales (TfW) share a clear ambition to deliver a more accessible, efficient and sustainable transport network across Wales. Along the west coast of Wales, this includes improving public transport connectivity and encouraging a modal shift away from private car use, in line with the National Transport Delivery Plan and Regional Transport Plans. A Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) Stage 3 appraisal identified the introduction of an express coach service between Bangor and Carmarthen as the preferred intervention to support these objectives. By reducing the number of intermediate stops, improving journey times and providing a high-quality onboard passenger experience, the service is intended to attract longer-distance travellers, including students, tourists and local residents. It will also aid future strategic investment in the wider public transport network and support the delivery of integrated, multimodal travel across Wales. Transport for Wales intends to introduce the service in October 2026 through the appointment of one or more operating partners following completion of a competitive procurement process. The contract will appoint one or more suitably qualified operators to deliver the express coach service on behalf of Transport for Wales. The successful operator(s) will be responsible for the operation of the service in accordance with the contract specification, including day-to-day service delivery, and compliance with all operational, safety and performance requirements established by Transport for Wales.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: While additional purchases are not anticipated at this time, TfW may require variation to volumes and frequencies of scope in the future. If such a requirement is established, variations will be processed via the contracted change control process and subject to compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 Regulations and internal governance procedures.

Renewal: Initial term of one (1) year, with the option to extend for three (3) x further periods of up to one (1) year, at TfW's sole discretion.

Planning Information

The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) Notice is to test market appetite, operator capability, and understand route optimisation and feasibility. To register your interest in this Preliminary Market Engagement, please follow the link below (or copy and paste into your browser) and complete the Microsoft Form by 17:00 on Monday 8th June 2026: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=JNDchxkwJkiZVrp2sqBP9GQHxZZpmRBEpZb6y9KNSQVUQzNRN0FSMDY2MUhSN05XRFdEOU1MNDRJVC4u TfW may wish to engage further with interested operators, but this is not guaranteed, depending on timescales. For any queries or issues, please contact: supplychain@tfw.wales

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069f20
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065439-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

50 - Repair and maintenance services

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

34121100 - Public-service buses

50100000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services of vehicles and related equipment

60100000 - Road transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£10,400,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£10,400,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
3 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
2 Jul 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
24 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
2030-02-01

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR WALES (TFW)
Additional Buyers

TRANSPORT FOR WALES

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

Buyer Location

Locality
PONTYPRIDD
Postcode
CF37 4TH
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend
Delivery Location
TLL Wales

Local Authority
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Electoral Ward
Pontypridd Town
Westminster Constituency
Pontypridd

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.

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