TVCA-PROC-0820 Supported Bus Tender – £15M
Tender TVCA-PROC-0820 – Supported Bus Services Tees Valley Combined Authority
Reference: TVCA-PROC-0820
Description
Tees Valley Combined Authority (the ‘Contracting Authority’), part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Group are seeking to reprocure Supported Bus Services across the Tees Valley region.
Within this tender, the services below are separated into lots. Providers can bid on as few or as many lots as they deem appropriate. Each lot has a separate financial threshold.
A maximum budget of £15,049,000 is available to deliver these contracts including the utilisation of all options to extend.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at:
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £15,049,000 excluding VAT
- £18,058,800 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60112000 – Public road transport services
Not the same for all lots
Contract dates are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Darlington Services 16, 17 & 18
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £450,000
12 month optional extension: £315,000
6 month optional extension: £165,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £930,000 excluding VAT
- £1,116,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2027
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
NB – Sunday and evening extensions to the service are subject to Darlington Borough Council’s continued support.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Darlington and Stockton Services – 6 & 6a
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £1,000,000
12 month optional extension: £685,000
6 month optional extension: £360,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £2,045,000 excluding VAT
- £2,454,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
From Sunday 27th September 26 up to and including – up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Sunday 26th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Sunday 1st April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
NB – Sunday and evening extensions to the service are subject to Darlington Borough Council’s continued support.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Hartlepool Services – 3 & 3A
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £250,000
12 month optional extension: £170,000
6 month optional extension: £9,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £429,000 excluding VAT
- £514,800 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 May 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
rom Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Middlesbrough Service – Cypress Road & Nunthorpe (Currently provided under Service 29)
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £360,000
12 month optional extension: £250,000
6 month optional extension: £130,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £740,000 excluding VAT
- £888,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
From Sunday 27th September 26 up to and including – up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Sunday 26th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Sunday 1st April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Middlesbrough Service – 13 & 13B
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £245,000
12 month optional extension: £170,000
6 month optional extension: £90,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £505,000 excluding VAT
- £606,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
From Sunday 27th September 26 up to and including – up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Sunday 26th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Sunday 1st April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. Middlesbrough Service – RP1, covering Riverside Park
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £230,000
12 month optional extension: £160,000
6 month optional extension: £85,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £475,000 excluding VAT
- £570,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7. Stockton Service – 35
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £300,000
12 month optional extension: £210,000
6 month optional extension: £110,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £620,000 excluding VAT
- £744,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
From Sunday 27th September 26 up to and including – up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Sunday 26th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Sunday 1st April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8. Redcar & Cleveland Services – 1 & 2
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £760,000
12 month optional extension: £530,000
6 month optional extension: £275,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,565,000 excluding VAT
- £1,878,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 9. Stockton and Hartlepool services – X40 & X41
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £580,000
12 month optional extension: £405,000
6 month optional extension: £210,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,195,000 excluding VAT
- £1,434,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 10. Hartlepool – Service 51
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 10:
18 months: £300,000
12 month optional extension: £210,000
6 month optional extension: £110,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £620,000 excluding VAT
- £744,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 11. Stockton & Darlington – Service X86 & 10 (combined)
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £590,000
12 month optional extension: £410,000
6 month optional extension: £215,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,215,000 excluding VAT
- £1,458,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 12. Stockton – Long Newton & Elton – new service
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 13. Stockton – The Clarences to N’Tees – new service
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 13:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 14. Middlesbrough – Park End to James Cook – new service
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 14:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 15. Stockton Service providing public transport links from Ingleby Arncliffe to Stockton
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 15:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 16. Middlesbrough Service linking Stainton and Hemlington to Coulby Newham (Parkway Centre) and Nunthorpe.
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 16:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 17. Eaglescliffe Station Western Entrance
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £30,000
12 month optional extension: £20,000
6 month optional extension: £10,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £60,000 excluding VAT
- £72,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 18. Darlington service – School Aycliffe – new service
Description
Financial Thresholds for Lot 18:
18 months: £370,000
12 month optional extension: £260,000
6 month optional extension: £135,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £765,000 excluding VAT
- £918,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 19. Stockton – North Shore – new service
Description
Financial Thresholds:
18 months: £30,000
12 month optional extension: £20,000
6 month optional extension: £10,000
Lot value (estimated)
- £60,000 excluding VAT
- £72,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 September 2026 to 25 March 2028
- Possible extension to 29 September 2029
- 3 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
From Monday 28th September 26 up to and including Saturday 25th March 2028.
Optional Extension of one year from Monday 27th March 2028 – Saturday 31st March 2029, with a further optional extension of an additional 6m from Monday 2nd April 2029 – Saturday 29th September 2029.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Darlington Services 16, 17 & 18
Lot 2. Darlington and Stockton Services – 6 & 6a
Lot 3. Hartlepool Services – 3 & 3A
Lot 4. Middlesbrough Service – Cypress Road & Nunthorpe (Currently provided under Service 29)
Lot 5. Middlesbrough Service – 13 & 13B
Lot 6. Middlesbrough Service – RP1, covering Riverside Park
Lot 7. Stockton Service – 35
Lot 8. Redcar & Cleveland Services – 1 & 2
Lot 9. Stockton and Hartlepool services – X40 & X41
Lot 10. Hartlepool – Service 51
Lot 11. Stockton & Darlington – Service X86 & 10 (combined)
Lot 12. Stockton – Long Newton & Elton – new service
Lot 13. Stockton – The Clarences to N’Tees – new service
Lot 14. Middlesbrough – Park End to James Cook – new service
Lot 15. Stockton Service providing public transport links from Ingleby Arncliffe to Stockton
Lot 16. Middlesbrough Service linking Stainton and Hemlington to Coulby Newham (Parkway Centre) and Nunthorpe.
Lot 17. Eaglescliffe Station Western Entrance
Lot 18. Darlington service – School Aycliffe – new service
Lot 19. Stockton – North Shore – new service
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
8 June 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
15 June 2026, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
8 July 2026
Award criteria
Lot 1. Darlington Services 16, 17 & 18
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality |
Quality Questions |
Quality | 40% |
| Price |
Pricing Schedule |
Price | 40% |
| Social Value |
Social Value |
Quality | 20% |
Lot 2. Darlington and Stockton Services – 6 & 6a
Lot 3. Hartlepool Services – 3 & 3A
Lot 4. Middlesbrough Service – Cypress Road & Nunthorpe (Currently provided under Service 29)
Lot 5. Middlesbrough Service – 13 & 13B
Lot 6. Middlesbrough Service – RP1, covering Riverside Park
Lot 7. Stockton Service – 35
Lot 8. Redcar & Cleveland Services – 1 & 2
Lot 9. Stockton and Hartlepool services – X40 & X41
Lot 10. Hartlepool – Service 51
Lot 11. Stockton & Darlington – Service X86 & 10 (combined)
Lot 12. Stockton – Long Newton & Elton – new service
Lot 13. Stockton – The Clarences to N’Tees – new service
Lot 14. Middlesbrough – Park End to James Cook – new service
Lot 15. Stockton Service providing public transport links from Ingleby Arncliffe to Stockton
Lot 16. Middlesbrough Service linking Stainton and Hemlington to Coulby Newham (Parkway Centre) and Nunthorpe.
Lot 17. Eaglescliffe Station Western Entrance
Lot 18. Darlington service – School Aycliffe – new service
Lot 19. Stockton – North Shore – new service
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality |
Quality |
Quality | 40% |
| Price |
Price |
Price | 40% |
| Social Value |
Social Value |
Quality | 20% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
For reasons including, but not limited to,
-Unknown future funding certainty.
-Changes to the local bus network.
-Impact on fuel/ operational costings as a result of global changes (e.g. political impacts, war).
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Tees Valley Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNG-8971-ZVCR
Teesside Airport Business Suite, Teesside International Airport
Darlington
DL2 1NJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Procurement
Region: UKC13 – Darlington
Organisation type: Public authority – sub-central government