---
title: "P-3265 Bus Real Time & Supporting Services"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "TRANSLINK"
published: "2025-09-18"
---

# P-3265 Bus Real Time & Supporting Services

Buyer: TRANSLINK  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a

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## Summary

The public procurement process initiated by Translink is currently in the planning stage for the "P-3265 Bus Real Time & Supporting Services" project. This initiative falls under the industry category of goods and services, specifically targeting buses and coaches, as well as industry-specific software packages. This procurement is aimed at providing a comprehensive real-time bus tracking and management solution for Translink's Metro and Ulsterbus fleets across Northern Ireland. The Pre-Market Engagement will take place by the end of October 2025, with invitations to potential suppliers for presentations. The anticipated contract commencement is set for the second quarter of 2027, with an expected duration from 2027 to 2032, with potential for renewal up to 2035. The procurement process is facilitated through a framework agreement, under Northern Irish devolved regulations.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in real-time passenger information systems and fleet management technology. Companies with expertise in software packages for the transportation sector, specifically those capable of integrating with existing non-proprietary hardware and providing extensive maintenance services, are particularly well-suited. Business growth can be bolstered through the provision of fleet management, live vehicle tracking, predictive analysis solutions, and comprehensive maintenance services. The focus on enhancing passenger information systems, improving disruption management, and facilitating integrated data flow presents an expansive avenue for innovative service providers to contribute to Translink's operational efficiency and customer satisfaction initiatives.

## Notice

Translink seek to engage with suppliers that can provide a suitable solution for a comprehensive Real-Time Bus tracking, prediction generation, operational and historical monitoring, display content and management solution across its Metro and Ulsterbus Fleet (c. 1660 buses). The solution will be used by Bus Service Operators to effectively monitor and manage Bus fleet related operations in real time as well as Passenger Information and Communication throughout Northern Ireland. Translink require the system to be capable of interfacing with on-street and on-board non-proprietary hardware through RTIG-T047 protocol, ensuring the provision of RTPI on existing Metro, Glider, and Ulsterbus services continues without interruption. Additionally, suppliers will be required to provide all necessary maintenance services. Before embarking on a tender process, we wish to engage with the marketplace to gather information which will be used to inform the sourcing strategy for this contract and thus, the procurement process. We are therefore seeking to engage with experienced Real Time Passenger Information and associated providers, which are capable of fulfilling the requirements listed above. It is anticipated that this contract will commence Q2 2027. Our requirements include, but are not limited to the following: * An open data approach to enable integration to ensure interoperability with other client systems to enhance data flow and automate manual processes. * Integrate with future systems and journey planners. * Provide comprehensive maintenance services for on-street and on-board hardware. * Ensure minimal quantity and frequency of faults and maintain the serviceability of the system. * Fleet Management & Live Vehicle Tracking. * Provide a predictive analysis solution that can support decision-making for control room staff * Driver Interface & Public Address system for Glider. * Performance and Management Reporting. * Provide drivers with intelligence on service performance and communication options. * Provide accurate and timely information about bus arrivals and departures at stops. * Provide on street display content management services. * Facilitate automated audio-visual next stop announcements on vehicles, configurable to multiple languages and tailored branded graphics. * Improve disruption management including passenger messaging. * Support future methods for providing information to passengers. * Implement a solution compatible with RTIG national standards for Traffic Signal Priority.

### Planning Information

Translink will issue a Pre Market Engagement questionnaire and invite suitable companies to present during October 2025. 
Requests to participate AND for copies of the Pre Market Engagement questionnaire please email Tori.Croft@Translink.co.uk

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057813-2025 |
| Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 Sep 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 1 Sep 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2027 - 1 Apr 2032 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £5,000,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | TRANSLINK |
| Locality | BELFAST |
| Post town | Northern Ireland |
| Postcode | BT2 7LX |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| ITL 1 | TLN Northern Ireland |
| ITL 2 | TLN0 Northern Ireland |
| ITL 3 | TLN06 Belfast |
| Local authority | Belfast |
| Electoral ward | Central |
| Westminster constituency | Belfast South and Mid Down |
| Delivery location | TLN Northern Ireland |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
- 48 - Software package and information systems

### Codes

- 34121000 - Buses and coaches
- 48100000 - Industry specific software package

## Release History

- 18 Sep 2025 at 14:37 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057813-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057813-2025
  18th September 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059d6a.json.