Scope
Reference
RFX1000762
Description
Surrey County Council is committed to sourcing sustainable, safe, secure, and reliable local bus routes that are socially necessary, as defined by the Transport Acts 1985 and 2000.
Since the deregulation of bus services in 1986, the responsibility for providing local bus services has primarily rested with the commercial sector. However, bus operators typically offer only commercially viable services. When services are deemed socially necessary by a Local Authority (LA) and require funding support, it becomes the LA's obligation to secure such services through a tendering process.
Socially necessary bus routes funded by Surrey County Council serve communities across Surrey, providing essential services that enable residents to access employment, education, essential shopping, reduce social isolation, and attend routine medical appointments.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2033
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60100000 - Road transport services
Contract locations
- UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 August 2025
Engagement process description
The current Public Bus Service DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) is due to expire on 31st January 2026. Surrey County Council, in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council, are planning to reprocure the service under the new Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023). With this in mind, we would like to share with current and potential providers a slide deck with guidance around 'de-mystifying the bidding process'.
The purpose of sharing this information with the market is to:
• Highlight the importance of the new Central Digital Platform (Find A Tender Service).
• Outline requirements for compliant bid submission.
• Clarify what happens during the bidding process.
• Provide guidance on using the Proactis Supplier Network for bid submissions.
• Collect questions before tender publication.
Providers wishing to view the slide deck can access it via the Proactis portal
(https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login) under the project "Pre Market Engagement for the reprocurement of the current Public Bus Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)" (RFX1000762) or alternatively, contact: melisa.suleyman@surreycc.gov.uk
Please note that the slide content is provided for guidance and information only. We cannot accept any responsibility for the interpretation, reliance upon, or use of this information in relation to bidding for contract/s. It remains the responsibility of the recipient to conduct their own due diligence and seek independent advice where necessary to ensure compliant bids are submitted.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Surrey County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWRH-8974-TNBV
Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill
Reigate
RH2 8EF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisations
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
West Sussex County Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Supporting Surrey County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXJW-5627-QRQR
County Hall, West Street
Chichester
PO19 1RQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Brighton and Hove City Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Supporting Surrey County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNNH-3312-CQGT
Hove Town Hall, Norton Road
Hove
BN3 3BQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ21 - Brighton and Hove
East Sussex County Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Supporting Surrey County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXGX-2145-PRQJ
County Hall, St Anne's Crescent
Lewes
BN7 1UE
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC