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Bus Services Framework

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

25 Aug 2026 at 10:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

24 Aug 2026 at 16:56

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, is planning a Bus Services Framework for passenger transport services in the United Kingdom. The proposed scope covers secured local bus services, school and works transport, group travel, seasonal services, Metro replacement services, taxibus and demand-responsive transport, special events, and other operational or emergency bus provision. The work is intended to provide a flexible route for procuring local transport services that are currently bought through separate tenders. It includes transport services and potentially vehicles for carrying 10 or more people (CPV 60000000 and 34120000). The framework is relevant to bus operators and other providers of passenger transport services, including suppliers able to deliver varied scheduled, replacement, demand-responsive and emergency operations.

This procurement is at the planning stage; Nexus has set out an intention to procure and has not yet invited tenders. It expects to use a closed framework agreement with one proposed lot, with competition through mini-competitions and direct awards under the final operating model. The proposed initial framework period is from 1 November 2026 to 1 November 2029, with an option to extend to 1 November 2031. The estimated value is up to £200 million excluding VAT, or £240 million including VAT, across the potential five-year term. Nexus held an online supplier engagement session on 24 August 2026 and scheduled feedback by 28 August 2026. It currently anticipates releasing PSQ and ITT documents between 1 and 11 September 2026, with tender returns expected between 9 and 16 October 2026.

The framework is intended for established bus operators and passenger transport providers with the operational capacity to deliver multiple service types, including local routes, school and works transport, group or seasonal travel, Metro replacement, demand-responsive and emergency services. Suppliers should prepare evidence of suitable fleets, drivers, scheduling and mobilisation capability, and the ability to manage changing operational requirements. Nexus is considering future vehicle standards including a potential Euro 6 minimum and enhanced accessibility requirements, so operators with compliant, accessible vehicles are likely to be well placed. The buyer is also seeking views on proportionate framework entry requirements, quality, price and social value evaluation, key performance indicators, remedies, contract management and SME participation. Businesses can help shape these requirements through market feedback before the formal competition.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Bus Services Framework

Notice Description

The proposed Bus Services Framework is being established to support the future procurement of a wide range of bus and passenger transport services. These include secured local bus services, schools and works transport, group travel, seasonal services, Metro replacement services, and other operational or emergency transport requirements. The framework will operate as a closed framework agreement for an initial three-year period, with the option to extend for up to 24 months. The total estimated framework value is up to PS200 million across the potential five-year term. Nexus currently spends around PS20 million each year on bus service contracts procured through a number of separate tendering exercises. The new framework aims to provide a more efficient and flexible procurement route, reducing the need for repeated procurements while maintaining competition and supporting effective service delivery.

Planning Information

Nexus Bus Services Framework: Pre-Market Engagement (PME) Nexus is undertaking pre-market engagement with bus operators and other interested suppliers to inform the development of a new Bus Services Framework, with an anticipated value of up to £200 million over five years. The framework is intended to support the procurement of secured local bus services, schools and works transport, taxibus services, demand responsive transport, replacement services, special events services and emergency bus provision. The purpose of this engagement is to seek supplier feedback on the proposed framework structure, lotting model, contract lengths, framework entry requirements, call-off processes, evaluation methodology, social value requirements, contract management arrangements and vehicle specification standards. Feedback received will be used to help refine the final procurement strategy and procurement documents. Engagement Event - Supplier PME Session Date: 24 August 2026 Location: Online supplier engagement session Attendees: Bus operators and other relevant transport service providers Scope of Engagement: Nexus is seeking feedback on: The overall attractiveness and deliverability of the proposed framework model. The proposed eight-lot structure covering a range of bus and transport services. Appropriate contract lengths and extension arrangements. Framework qualification requirements and proportionality of selection criteria. Mini-competition and direct award arrangements. Quality, price and social value evaluation methodologies. Key performance indicators, contract remedies and supplier relationship management. SME accessibility and barriers to participation. Future vehicle requirements, including potential adoption of Euro 6 minimum standards and enhanced accessibility requirements. Procurement Timetable (Indicative) Subject to consideration of market feedback, Nexus currently anticipates: Release of PSQ and ITT documents: 1 to 11 September 2026 Supplier clarification period: September 2026 Tender return deadline: Expected between 9 and 16 October 2026 Framework evaluation and appointments: October to November 2026 Expected Market Feedback Nexus expects market feedback to focus on: Whether the proposed framework structure is commercially attractive and workable. Appropriate framework and call-off contract durations to support investment and value for money. Suitability of the proposed lotting arrangements. Measures to support SME participation. Framework operating model, including mini-competition and emergency call-off mechanisms. Proportionate evaluation criteria and social value requirements. Mobilisation risks, operational challenges and contract management approaches. Vehicle and accessibility standards for future service delivery. Feedback and Clarification Questions: Following the supplier engagement session, suppliers are invited to complete and return the market engagement questionnaire, providing comments and recommendations on the proposed framework approach. Clarification questions should be submitted in writing and responses may be shared with all interested parties where appropriate to ensure transparency and equal treatment. Participation in this engagement exercise does not form part of any formal procurement process and will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement. Feedback received will be considered by Nexus in finalising the procurement documentation before issuing the formal tender opportunity.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06eafa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080680-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

34120000 - Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
7 Sep 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 1 Nov 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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