This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

22 Jul 2026 at 11:34

Summary of the contracting process

Buckinghamshire Council invites tenders for the "Provision of Local Bus Services" to enhance the county's public transport network, focusing on accessibility and sustainability. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, with an open competition approach. Interested parties must submit their bids through the council's e-tendering platform. The deadline for submissions is set for 21st August 2026, at 12:00 pm, and any clarifications must be sent by 7th August 2026. The contract is governed by UK legislation and seeks to fulfil public road transport service needs, primarily focusing on the delivery of reliable and customer-oriented bus services.

This tender represents a growth opportunity for service providers with a track record in the transport sector, particularly those that can offer innovative solutions in operational reliability and customer service. Suitable for SMEs, the contract encourages bids from companies capable of demonstrating value for money and a commitment to social value objectives. The contract offers comprehensive engagements, extending from Aylesbury to various towns, including Thame and Bicester, with routes requiring scheduled and peak time operations. This presents potential for businesses aiming to expand within regional public transport services, supporting community connectivity and meeting stringent regulatory and industry standards.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of Local Bus Services

Notice Description

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced service provider to deliver supported local bus services across the county. The services form part of the Council's wider public transport network and are intended to provide accessible, reliable and sustainable transport options for residents and visitors. The successful provider will be responsible for operating scheduled local bus services in accordance with the requirements set out in the tender documentation, including the provision of suitable vehicles, trained personnel, customer service arrangements, ticketing facilities and supporting technology. The services must be delivered in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and industry standards. The Council is seeking a contractor that can demonstrate a strong commitment to operational reliability, customer experience, effective contract management and continuous service improvement, whilst delivering value for money and supporting the Council's social value objectives. The contract will be awarded following a competitive tender process to the bidder submitting the Most Advantageous Tender based on the published award criteria.

Lot Information

Contract NL/110/28

110 & 111,112,113 (611) Services, approximately at a 2-hourly frequency, serving the "villages" route between Aylesbury and Thame, with various off-peak services to villages around Thame and a peak hour school and commuter requirement

Contract NL/16/28

16 (16A, 16S) & 17 Services linking Aylesbury, Waddesdon and Bicester six-days a week. These are via villages including Quainton and Steeple Claydon (route 16) or more direct via the A41 (route 17) with a variants at school and commuter times

Contract NL/18/28

18 (18A & 18S) A 2-hourly service linking Bicester, Steeple Claydon and Buckingham

Contract NL/60/28

60 & 70 (71) 2-hourly services linking Aylesbury and Buckingham via villages not on the A413, and Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d0ca
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069132-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60100000 - Road transport services

60112000 - Public road transport services

60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£800,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
21 Aug 20265 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Nov 2026 - 21 Nov 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
AYLESBURY
Postcode
HP19 8FF
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Aylesbury North West
Westminster Constituency
Aylesbury

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-06d0ca-2026-07-22T12:34:14+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-22T12:34:14+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d0ca",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PCLJ-2677-YQXD",
            "name": "Buckinghamshire Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PCLJ-2677-YQXD"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "The Gateway, Gatehouse Road",
                "locality": "Aylesbury",
                "postalCode": "HP198FF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ13"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "James Loader",
                "email": "procurement@buckinghamshire.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PCLJ-2677-YQXD",
        "name": "Buckinghamshire Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d0ca",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of Local Bus Services",
        "description": "Buckinghamshire Council is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced service provider to deliver supported local bus services across the county. The services form part of the Council's wider public transport network and are intended to provide accessible, reliable and sustainable transport options for residents and visitors. The successful provider will be responsible for operating scheduled local bus services in accordance with the requirements set out in the tender documentation, including the provision of suitable vehicles, trained personnel, customer service arrangements, ticketing facilities and supporting technology. The services must be delivered in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and industry standards. The Council is seeking a contractor that can demonstrate a strong commitment to operational reliability, customer experience, effective contract management and continuous service improvement, whilst delivering value for money and supporting the Council's social value objectives. The contract will be awarded following a competitive tender process to the bidder submitting the Most Advantageous Tender based on the published award criteria.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60112000",
                        "description": "Public road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60100000",
                        "description": "Road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60130000",
                        "description": "Special-purpose road passenger-transport services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ13",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60112000",
                        "description": "Public road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60100000",
                        "description": "Road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60130000",
                        "description": "Special-purpose road passenger-transport services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ13",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60112000",
                        "description": "Public road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60100000",
                        "description": "Road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60130000",
                        "description": "Special-purpose road passenger-transport services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ13",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60112000",
                        "description": "Public road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60100000",
                        "description": "Road transport services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60130000",
                        "description": "Special-purpose road passenger-transport services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ13",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "4"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 960000,
            "amount": 800000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Please send any clarifications and submissions through the Councils E-Tendering platform. Found at- https://in-tendhost.co.uk/buckinghamshire-council/aspx/Home",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-21T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-07T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Contract NL/110/28",
                "description": "110 & 111,112,113 (611) Services, approximately at a 2-hourly frequency, serving the \"villages\" route between Aylesbury and Thame, with various off-peak services to villages around Thame and a peak hour school and commuter requirement",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 0,
                    "amount": 0,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-11-21T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Bidders must provide information which demonstrates and supports their understanding of, and ability to meet, the Council's requirements included within this Invitation to Tender. The Council's appointed evaluation panel will assess all tenders against the Award Criteria set out below in order to identify the bidder which submitted the Most Advantageous Tender and will award the contract to them. The Quality Score accounts for 40% of the assessment. The Price Score accounts for 60% of the assessment."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Contract NL/16/28",
                "description": "16 (16A, 16S) & 17 Services linking Aylesbury, Waddesdon and Bicester six-days a week. These are via villages including Quainton and Steeple Claydon (route 16) or more direct via the A41 (route 17) with a variants at school and commuter times",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 0,
                    "amount": 0,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-11-21T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Bidders must provide information which demonstrates and supports their understanding of, and ability to meet, the Council's requirements included within this Invitation to Tender. The Council's appointed evaluation panel will assess all tenders against the Award Criteria set out below in order to identify the bidder which submitted the Most Advantageous Tender and will award the contract to them. The Quality Score accounts for 40% of the assessment. The Price Score accounts for 60% of the assessment."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Contract NL/18/28",
                "description": "18 (18A & 18S) A 2-hourly service linking Bicester, Steeple Claydon and Buckingham",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 0,
                    "amount": 0,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-11-21T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Bidders must provide information which demonstrates and supports their understanding of, and ability to meet, the Council's requirements included within this Invitation to Tender. The Council's appointed evaluation panel will assess all tenders against the Award Criteria set out below in order to identify the bidder which submitted the Most Advantageous Tender and will award the contract to them. The Quality Score accounts for 40% of the assessment. The Price Score accounts for 60% of the assessment."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "title": "Contract NL/60/28",
                "description": "60 & 70 (71) 2-hourly services linking Aylesbury and Buckingham via villages not on the A413, and Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 0,
                    "amount": 0,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-11-21T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Bidders must provide information which demonstrates and supports their understanding of, and ability to meet, the Council's requirements included within this Invitation to Tender. The Council's appointed evaluation panel will assess all tenders against the Award Criteria set out below in order to identify the bidder which submitted the Most Advantageous Tender and will award the contract to them. The Quality Score accounts for 40% of the assessment. The Price Score accounts for 60% of the assessment."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Please use the weblink to create an account of the Councils E-Tendering platform and view the documents related to this notice",
                "url": "https://in-tendhost.co.uk/buckinghamshire-council/aspx/Home"
            },
            {
                "id": "069132-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069132-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-22T12:34:14+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}