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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 contract value for the initial term is £2,709,796 excluding VAT.
If the council implements all of the optional extension periods, the contract would end on 01st November 2029. The indicative maximum overall value is £7,709,796 excluding VAT.
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
| Lot | Title | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service Number 1 and 1 AService 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, | £513,986 |
| 10 | Service Number 60Service 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, |
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| £513,986 |
| 11 | Service Number 68Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 12 | Service Number 71Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 13 | Service Number 93SService 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, | £513,986 |
| 14 | Service Number C123Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 15 | Service Number 600Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 2 | Service Number DR1Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 3 | Service Number HW1Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 4 | Service Number M1Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 5 | Service Number MD1Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 6 | Service Number 7Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 7 | Service Number X7Service 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, | £513,986 |
| 8 | Service Number 22 & 22AService 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, | £513,986 |
| 9 | Service Number 32Service 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, | £513,986 |