Closed

Supported Bus Services

Cumberland Council · Local authority

In brief

Cumberland Council was looking for suppliers for transport work. Bidding has closed and no award has been published yet.

The estimated value is £2,709,796 excluding VAT.

It is split into 15 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.

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

Cumberland Council is procuring a contract for Supported Bus Services for suitably qualified bus operators to run routes on behalf of Cumberland Council. The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 12 months with the successful tenderer. There are 2 optional extension periods available of 12 months each. Use of these extension periods is at the absolute discretion of the council. If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 01st November 2027. The overall contract value is £2,709,796 excluding VAT. If the council implements all of the optional extension periods, the contract would end on 01st November 2029. If the council implements an extension…Read the full description
Cumberland Council is procuring a contract for Supported Bus Services for suitably qualified bus operators to run routes on behalf of Cumberland Council. The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 12 months with the successful tenderer. There are 2 optional extension periods available of 12 months each. Use of these extension periods is at the absolute discretion of the council. If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 01st November 2027. The overall contract value is £2,709,796 excluding VAT. If the council implements all of the optional extension periods, the contract would end on 01st November 2029. If the council implements an extension or uplift, this will be confirmed in writing to the successful supplier in advance. If the services to be provided are VAT exempt then VAT cannot be charged by the successful supplier. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all, For further details and to access the tender documents use the council's online procurement portal, The Chest https://www.the-chest.org.uk You must be registered on The Chest to be able to view the opportunity and submit a tender. Registration is simple and free on the above link. Ensure you read and understand the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and all of its appendices before completing the tender documents. Any clarification questions must be sent to the council via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT

Lots

LotTradeValue
Service Number 1 and 1 A
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Whitehaven to Moresby Park Service Number 1 & 1A Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th January 2027 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number DR1
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Carlisle City - South Carlisle Health Care & Carleton Clinic Service Number DR1 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th January 2027 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number HW1
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Carlisle to Walltown (Hadrian's Wall) Service Number HW1 Days of Operation Monday to Sunday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th January 2027 Holidays Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and replacements of these Summer Season (S) Start of April - End of October Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number M1
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Millom Town Service Service Number M1 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number MD1
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Maryport & Dearham Town Service Service Number MD1 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 7
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Number 7 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number X7
30 December 2026 to 29 December 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Whitehaven to Millom Service Number X7 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 30th December 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 22 & 22A
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Whitehaven - Cleator - Cleator Moor - Egremont Service Number 22 & 22A Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th January 2027 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 32
30 November 2026 to 29 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Whitehaven - St Bees - Egremont Service Number 32 Days of Operation Monday to Sunday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 30th November 2026 Holidays No Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 60
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Workington - Skinburness Service Number 60 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 68
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Maryport - Cockermouth Service Number 68 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 71
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Carlisle to Anthorn or Wigton Service Number 71 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th Jan 2027 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 93S
6 December 2026 to 5 December 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Carlisle - Anthorn & Kirkbride Service Number 93S Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 6th December 2026 Holidays Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Days or replacements of these Summer Season Start of April - End of October Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number C123
2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027
What this lot covers

Service Route Cockermouth Town Service Service Number C123 Days of Operation Monday to Saturday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 16 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 2nd November 2026 Holidays No Sundays, Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653
Service Number 600
4 January 2027 to 3 January 2028
What this lot covers

Service Route Carlisle - Wigton - Cockermouth - Whitehaven - West Cumberland Hospital Service Number 600 Days of Operation Monday to Sunday Vehicle Capacity Minimum 32 seater minibus PSVAR wheelchair accessible Start date 4th January 2027 Holidays No Bank Holidays or replacement Bank Holidays Lot value is estimated by splitting the overall value by the number of lots. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award. The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency. In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts. The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,

Transport£180,653

Timeline

  1. Pipeline notice · UK1, notice 026313-2026
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 044036-2026
  3. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 044072-2026
  4. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 046592-2026
  5. Tender notice · UK4, notice 072576-2026
  6. Tender notice · UK4, notice 073156-2026

About the buyer

Cumberland CouncilLast 12 months

Procurements

139

Awards

96

Suppliers it has used most for transport

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From notice 026313-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 23 March 2026, last updated 3 August 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.