Scope
Description
Bus services are integral in Cumberland and establishing innovative approaches to the delivery of bus services and infrastructure, particularly within rural areas, can improve the lives of local people.
With this in mind, Cumberland Council advertised a procurement opportunity that sought suitably qualified transport operators to deliver high quality subsidised bus services across a number of bus routes.
This procurement has concluded and contracts are to be awarded to two suppliers for a total of 10 routes. These contracts will be awarded to start on 3rd November 2025 for a term of up to one (1) year, with no extensions available. The total value is £2,585,499.
Bids were evaluated and moderated according to the criteria as set out in the Invitation to Tender.
From the date of this notice and in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, the council will be observing a standstill period of 8 working days before entering into any contract.
Contract 1. Bus Services (Cumberland)
Suppliers (2)
Contract value
- £2,585,499 excluding VAT
- £3,102,598 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
14 October 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
14 October 2025
Standstill period
- End: 23 October 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
27 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 3 November 2025 to 2 November 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60112000 - Public road transport services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Information about tenders
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 2 suppliers awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
REAYS COACHES LIMITED
- Companies House: 03910309
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWQG-3146-WJXR
Strawberry Fields
Wigton
CA7 9NE
United Kingdom
Email: info@reays.co.uk
Website: http://www.reays.co.uk
Region: UKD11 - West Cumbria
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Bus Services (Cumberland)
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED
- Companies House: 00123665
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZJT-7876-CQMQ
One Stockport Exchange
Stockport
SK1 3SW
United Kingdom
Email: business.development@stagecoach.com
Website: http://www.stagecoachbus.com
Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Bus Services (Cumberland)
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government