Award

November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services

• West Midlands Combined Authority

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-051309

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0527d2 (view related notices)

Published 26 August 2025, 2:37pm

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Scope

Reference

06979-2025

Description

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) supports the provision of an extensive passenger transport network across the West Midlands, both in fulfilment of statutory duties and to enable access to facilities and services.

 

Current Subsidised Bus Contracts expiring on 1st November 2025 and 3rd January 2026 need to be re-procured in order to ensure the routes contained within each contract remain operational. There are fourteen (14) contracts in total that are being tendered.

Please note the value of the procurement published is the total aggregrated value of all fourteen (14) contracts.

Please also note there are two (2) contract commencement dates within this round of bus tenders. The soonest contract start date of 2nd November 2025 has been entered into this notice, however, there are contracts that will commence 4th January 2026. Full details of contract terms can be found within the Invitation to Tender documentation.

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Contract 1. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0125

Supplier

Contract value

• £1,240,682 excluding VAT
• £1,488,818.40 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 2. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0162

Supplier

Contract value

• £988,871 excluding VAT
• £1,186,645.20 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 3. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0916

Supplier

Contract value

• £2,764,733 excluding VAT
• £3,317,679.60 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

22 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 4. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T665

Supplier

Contract value

• £2,256,592 excluding VAT
• £2,707,910.40 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 5. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0852

Supplier

Contract value

• £965,147 excluding VAT
• £1,158,176.40 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 6. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0151

Supplier

Contract value

• £263,744 excluding VAT
• £316,492.80 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 7. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0174

Supplier

Contract value

• £68,640 excluding VAT
• £82,368 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 8. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0803

Supplier

Contract value

• £70,928 excluding VAT
• £85,113.60 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 9. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0914

Supplier

Contract value

• £114,816 excluding VAT
• £137,779.20 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 10. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0149

Supplier

Contract value

• £303,680 excluding VAT
• £364,416 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 2 November 2025 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 11 months, 26 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

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Contract 11. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0880

Supplier

Contract value

• £1,545,036 excluding VAT
• £1,854,043.20 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 4 January 2026 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 9 months, 24 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 12. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0941

Supplier

Contract value

• £1,003,955 excluding VAT
• £1,204,746 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 4 January 2026 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 9 months, 24 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 13. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T2025

Supplier

Contract value

• £1,354,240 excluding VAT
• £1,625,088 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 4 January 2026 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 9 months, 24 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Contract 14. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0919

Supplier

Contract value

• £1,911,816 excluding VAT
• £2,294,179.20 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

21 August 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

22 August 2025

Standstill period

• End: 4 September 2025
• 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

12 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

• 4 January 2026 to 30 October 2027
• Possible extension to 27 October 2029
• 3 years, 9 months, 24 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions will be invoked if services are still required and the service is performing to contract.

Up to x two (2), twelve (12) month options to extend.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Contract locations

• UKG31 - Birmingham

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Information about tenders

• 7 tenders received
• 7 tenders assessed in the final stage:
  • 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
  • 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
• 3 suppliers awarded contracts
• 4 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

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Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure

Special regime

Utilities

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Suppliers

Chaserider Buses Limited

• Companies House: 13309223

Mossfield Road

Stoke-on-Trent

ST3 5BW

United Kingdom

Email: chris.almond@centrebus.co.uk

Region: UKG23 - Stoke-on-Trent

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 2. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0162

Contract 13. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T2025

Diamond Bus Ltd

• Companies House: 02531054

Rotala Group Headquarters, Hallbridge Way Tividale

Oldbury

B69 3HW

United Kingdom

Email: businessdevelopment@rotala.co.uk

Region: UKG37 - Sandwell

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 3. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0916

Contract 14. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0919

West Midlands Travel Limited

• Companies House: 02652253

51 Bordesley Green

Birmingham

B9 4BZ

United Kingdom

Email: jacques.legall@nationalexpress.com

Region: UKG31 - Birmingham

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0125

Contract 4. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T665

Contract 5. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0852

Contract 6. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0151

Contract 7. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0174

Contract 8. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0803

Contract 9. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0914

Contract 10. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0149

Contract 11. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0880

Contract 12. November 25 & January 2026 Subsidised Tender Bus Services - T0941

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Contracting authority

West Midlands Combined Authority

• Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGMD-1353-PZVX

16 Summer Lane

Birmingham

B19 3SD

United Kingdom

Email: procurement.team@wmca.org.uk

Website: http://www.WMCA.org.uk

Region: UKG31 - Birmingham

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government