Scope
Reference
NCD477
Description
The contracting authority intends to award a contract for the provision of local bus transport services to facilitate the travel of students from all surrounding areas to New College Durham sites within County Durham.
The service must provide:
• Frequent services to accommodate flexible college hours, recognising that students do not always travel within traditional core times. (covering all routes during college hours every 15 minutes)
• Numerous pick-up and drop-off locations across the surrounding areas to ensure accessibility for all students.
• Affordable transport solutions, taking into account the financial pressures on students and families.
• Modern ticketing options, including the use of a mobile app or travel card, to allow easy access, booking, and monitoring of journeys.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,119,840 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 16 October 2025 to 26 June 2026
- 8 months, 11 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
This contract is being directly awarded without competition under the relevant provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 on the grounds that only Go North East has the operational capability, fleet availability, established network, and route coverage necessary to deliver the required services in full.
Key reasons include:
• Exclusive Coverage: Go North East is the sole operator with an existing network of scheduled and supported services covering all surrounding areas of County Durham required for student transport.
• Operational Readiness: The provider already operates buses on the required routes and can mobilise immediately without the need for additional infrastructure or licensing.
• Service Flexibility: Go North East has the fleet and scheduling capacity to deliver services across a broad range of hours, matching the flexible nature of college timetables.
• Accessibility: The operator can provide numerous pick-up and drop-off points to match the college's requirements.
• Affordable Travel: Go North East is uniquely positioned to deliver services at affordable student rates through its established fare structures and concessionary schemes.
• Digital Ticketing: The provider already offers modern travel solutions including mobile apps and travel cards, which are necessary for student convenience and efficient service management.
• No Viable Alternative: Market assessment confirmed that no other local operator can provide comprehensive coverage across the catchment area while meeting the frequency, affordability, and technology requirements.
Supplier
Go North East Limited
- Companies House: 2057284
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTBQ-4849-GVJP
3rd Floor, 41-51 Grey Street
Newcastle
NE1 6EE
United Kingdom
Email: gne.contracts@gonortheast.co.uk
Website: http://www.gonortheast.co.uk
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
New College Durham
- Charity Commission (England and Wales): XR6326
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXXW-9561-YPNJ
Framwellgate Moor Campus
Durham
DH1 5ES
United Kingdom
Email: purchasing@newdur.ac.uk
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government