This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

13 Jul 2026 at 14:03

Award

13 Jul 2026 at 13:58

Planning

13 Jul 2026 at 13:47

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for "Bus Grant - Enhancement of Bus Services 2026-29" is being led by The West of England Combined Authority, situated in Bristol, United Kingdom. The procurement falls under the services industry category, specifically for the hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver, and is located within the UKK region. This process is currently in the award stage, following a direct award procurement method due to exclusive rights held by the supplier, FIRST WEST OF ENGLAND LIMITED. The contract is valued at £842,971.76 and spans from 26th July 2026 to 31st March 2029. The enhancements include increasing frequencies for bus services between Elmhurst and Foxhill, Southdown and the University of Bath, and Bath City Centre to Bristol Parkway. Key milestones include a future signature date scheduled for 24th July 2026, with the standstill period concluding on 23rd July 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those in the transport or logistics sectors, to partner or engage in subcontracting activities in the public transport domain. Although the procurement method was a direct award to FIRST WEST OF ENGLAND LIMITED due to their exclusive service rights, ancillary services such as vehicle maintenance, supply chain logistics, and driver training could attract potential collaborations. Businesses specialising in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of public transport services are well-suited to contribute to this project, thereby facilitating regional connectivity and boosting local economies.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Bus Grant - Enhancement of Bus Services 20206-29

Notice Description

Enhancement of the following bus services: Service 13 - Elmhurst - Foxhill via Bath City Centre, is a commercially operated bus service by First. It is proposed to enhance the daytime frequency and evenings journeys. Service 22/U4 - Southdown - University of Bath, is a commercially operated bus service by First. It is proposed to enhance the daytime frequency and evenings journeys. Service 19 - Bath City Centre - Bristol Parkway, is a commercially operated bus service by First. It is proposed to enhance the daytime frequency and evenings journeys.

Procurement Information

Bus Service 19, 13 and U4 enhancements are classified as a Direct Award above the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) threshold. The bus services direct award is made under s41 and Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 - single supplier justification - First Bus have exclusive rights and there are no reasonable alternatives, which means only First Bus can deliver these enhanced services.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c9aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065694-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award 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

60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£842,971 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Jul 2026Expired
Award Date
1 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
25 Jul 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS1 6AL
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK51 Bristol, City of
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Bristol, City of
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Bristol Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

FIRST WEST OF ENGLAND

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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