AwardedAwarded 28 August 2026
PHC26117 Supported Bus Service 2026 - Service 26
Torbay Council · Local authority
In brief
Torbay Council awarded transport work to D J Watts Coach Travel on 28 August 2026.
The notice gives a value of £350,000 excluding VAT.
The contract runs for 66 months, starting 1 October 2026.
The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
What the notice says
Due to the operational impacts arising from changes in other services, the existing operator has served notice on the contract awarded in 2024 for Non-Commercial Bus Services Lot 4 (Service 60).
The need for this service remains to ensure the community has the connectivity to facilities and services. This service will be renumbered as Service 26, linking more appropriately with other Paignton based services. Torbay Council is seeking to at least retain the existing bus service network in accordance with the Councils BSIP, but also to enhance it with improvements to service levels, including operating to key locations which are not currently served.
Our aim is to improve the routes with increased frequency, additional services covering earlier and later times and at weekends with modern, low floor, zero or low emission vehicles. It is important to note that a new service (27), replacing and improving upon the current Services 28 and 30 between Paignton town centre and schools in Torquay, will be proposed. This will operate all day, additionally connecting to Torbay Hospital. There will be overlap with this contract. That overlap is not confirmed but may include areas of Shorton Valley and Preston Down Road.
Torbay Council and Devon County Council are in the process of setting up a new combined Enhanced Bus Partnership.
Who won
| Winner | Value | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| D J Watts Coach Travel (SME) 1 bid received | £423,000 | Awarded 28 August 2026 |
Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.
Timeline
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 063750-2026
- Contract award notice · UK6, notice 083358-2026
About the buyer
Torbay CouncilLast 12 months
Procurements
92Awards
72Suppliers it has used most for transport
- D J Watts Coach Travel1 contract
- Stagecoach Devon Limited1 contract
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From notice 063750-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 7 July 2026, last updated 3 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.