AwardedAwarded 1 October 2026

Supported Bus Services

Cumberland Council · Local authority

In brief

Cumberland Council awarded transport work to Stagecoach (North West) Limited on 1 October 2026.

The notice gives a value of £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 awarding contracts for the operation of Supported Bus Services. These services form a critical element of Cumberland's transport network, ensuring continued provision of bus services where the commercial operation is not viable and supporting access for people to employment, education, healthcare and essential services across both urban and rural communities. Cumberland Council has a proactive role in shaping the local bus network, supported by government investment through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and also the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) funding. The council tendered for 15 bus routes. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) advised that due to funding constraints, not all services could be supported. As also advised in the ITT, following evaluation of tenders against the published award criteria, services were prioritised based on an assessment of tendered costs and current passenger usage data to calculate an estimated subsidy cost per passenger journey. Routes providing the best value for money were prioritised for award within the available budget. Following this, contracts are to be awarded to one provider for 11 routes, for a term of 12 months (with no extension periods available). Contracts will not be awarded for 4 routes. The overall value of the 11 contracts is £2,531,347 excluding VAT.

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

Who won

WinnerLotValueDates
Not statedService Number DR1, Service Number MD1, Service Number 71, Service Number 93S—
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
1 bid received
Service Number 1 and 1 A£181,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number C123£180,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
1 bid received
Service Number 600£724,347
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
3 bids received
Service Number HW1£211,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number M1£173,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number 7£173,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
1 bid received
Service Number X7£173,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
1 bid received
Service Number 22 & 22A£214,500
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number 32£152,000
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number 60£157,500
Awarded 1 October 2026
Stagecoach (North West) Limited
2 bids received
Service Number 68£192,000
Awarded 1 October 2026

Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.

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
  7. Contract award notice · UK6, notice 093192-2026

About the buyer

Cumberland CouncilLast 12 months

Procurements

153

Awards

125

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 2 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 2 October 2026.