Official UK procurement notice
Passenger Transport (Taxis) & Travel Care Open Framework for Vulnerable Children, Young People & Adults
Authority: Westminster City Council (Local council)·Consortium: 2 public authorities
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionOpen Framework for Passenger Transport (Taxis) & Travel Care for Vulnerable Children, Young People & Adults.
This Framework is being conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (“PA23”) using the Open Procedure. It will use an Open Framework model with three iterations across an eight-year period (3+3+2).
Framework Issue 1 – Initial Procurement 2025/26 for the first 3-year term (06/08/2026 – 31/07/2029)
Framework Issue 2 – Re-opening of the Framework (anticipated 2028/29) for the second 3-year term (01/08/2029 – 31/07/2032)
Framework Issue 3 – Re-opening of the Framework (anticipated 2031/32) for the final 2-year term (01/08/2032 – 31/07/2034)
The maximum framework value is £47.2m ex VAT as published in the Tender Notice. The anticipated expenditure over the framework series is currently estimated at £45.48m ex VAT. The difference represents contingency/headroom and does not constitute committed spend.
- Not divided into lots: Lots are not being used because the Framework will operate as an Open Framework using a matrix‑based allocation model. This structure allows suppliers (inclusive of SMEs) to join at set intervals and be matched flexibly to individual transport requirements. Dividing the procurement into fixed lots would limit the flexibility needed to respond to variable and unpredictable transport routes, changing pupil needs, and market capacity. The matrix model provides a more efficient and equitable way to allocate work while maintaining open competition throughout the life of the Framework series.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 1 May 2026, 23:59 BST.
CPV: Taxi services
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Bids received
- 17 bids received · 17 suppliers appointed
- Framework period
- 8 yrs from 1 Aug 2026
- Scheme runs until
- 31 Jul 2034
Published description of the framework
This is an Open Framework for the provision of taxi and travel care services for vulnerable children and young people who are residents of Westminster or the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Framework will be opened for new applications at specified intervals during its term, in accordance with the Open Framework model. Suppliers admitted to the Framework will have met the published selection and compliance requirements set out in the procurement documents.
Once admitted, suppliers will be eligible for call‑off opportunities relating to individual transport requirements. Call‑offs may be made via further competition or via a matrix‑based allocation approach, depending on the nature and urgency of the requirement. Allocation may consider factors such as price, vehicle suitability, safeguarding compliance, available capacity, and suitability for the specific transport route.
The Framework is designed to provide flexibility and support a competitive market capable of meeting a wide range of home‑to‑school and social care transport needs, including varying route patterns and differing levels of support required by service users.
Full details of the Framework rules, application windows, evaluation criteria, onboarding process, and call‑off methodology are provided within the procurement documents made available through the e‑tendering portal as detailed within this notice.
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1AwardedRenewalPublished value£47,318,792
- Economic & financial standing
Suppliers must meet the legal, safeguarding and financial compliance requirements set out in the procurement documents (e.g., appropriate insurances, right‑to‑operate checks). Full details are provided in the procurement documentation available via the e‑tendering portal.
- Technical & professional ability
Suppliers must demonstrate the required technical capability to deliver passenger transport services safely, including appropriate vehicle standards, driver competence and safeguarding measures. Full details are provided in the procurement documentation available via the e‑tendering portal.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (9)
- Implementation and Mobilisation: 7%
- General Requirements, Operating Requirements & Staffing Structure: 7%
- Safeguarding: 9%
- Workforce Management: 8%
- Communication & Engagement: 7%
- Performance, Risk & Quality Assurance: 6%
- Commercial: 40%
- Social Value and Responsible Procurement: 10%
- Vehicles, Equipment & Environmental Performance: 6%
Published award criteria (9)
- Implementation and Mobilisation
- General Requirements, Operating Requirements & Staffing Structure
- Safeguarding
- Workforce Management
- Communication & Engagement
- Vehicles, Equipment & Environmental Performance
- Performance, Risk & Quality Assurance
- Social Value and Responsible Procurement
- Commercial
- Economic & financial standing
Suppliers must meet the legal, safeguarding and financial compliance requirements set out in the procurement documents (e.g., appropriate insurances, right‑to‑operate checks). Full details are provided in the procurement documentation available via the e‑tendering portal.
- Technical & professional ability
Suppliers must demonstrate the required technical capability to deliver passenger transport services safely, including appropriate vehicle standards, driver competence and safeguarding measures. Full details are provided in the procurement documentation available via the e‑tendering portal.
- Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
- “Passenger Transport (Taxis) & Travel Care Open Framework for…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Open framework scheme
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 1 May 2026
- First published
- 17 Apr 2025, 10:43 BST
- Last source update
- 24 Jul 2026, 13:40 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 30 Apr 2026
- Authority reference
ITT_30622- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-005703- Latest notice
- Contract award notice (UK6)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-050498Find a Tender
How it was run
Official notice- Appointment period ends
- 23 Feb 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 16 Feb 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Timeline
17 Apr 2025 → 1 Aug 2026 · 10 dates- Planning notice published17 Apr 2025, 10:43 BST
- Market engagement12 Jun 2025, 23:59 BST
Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is inviting taxi transport providers to a virtual market engagement event in preparation for the upcoming procurement of its Special Educational Needs (SEN) Taxi Transport Framework.
Event Details:
- Thursday 12th June 2025, 12:00 - 14:00.
- Online (Microsoft Teams - joining link will be shared upon registration
This session is designed to engage with current and potential providers of Taxi and Travel Care services to:
- Present an overview of the proposed service model
- Discuss and receive feedback on draft Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Explore the introduction of a new service Lot, aligned to evolving demand and market capacity
- Understand provider capabilities, challenges, and innovation opportunities
- Share the high-level timetable for tender publication and mobilisation
Who should attend:
- Taxi/PHV operators delivering home-to-school, SEND, or adult social care transport
- Providers with experience in travel care assistance or passenger escort services
- Local SMEs and VCSEs interested in accessible transport solutions
- Organisations considering entering the London transport services market
How to register:
Please express your interest in attending by emailing [email protected] by Tuesday, 11th June 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Joining instructions will be issued upon registration.
This engagement relates to a forthcoming Framework Agreement under the Procurement Act 2023, which Westminster City Council intends to launch. Attendance at this event will not affect future participation but is strongly encouraged to shape the service model and ensure proportionality, fairness and value for money.
- Next notice expected1 Aug 2025, 23:59 BST
- Tender notice published273 days ago22 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMT
- Clarification questions by248 days ago16 Feb 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Admission / appointment period ends241 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown23 Feb 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected by175 days ago30 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
- Assessment summaries sent91 days ago24 Jul 2026, 00:00 BST
- Latest notice published90 days ago24 Jul 2026, 13:40 BST
- Contract starts83 days ago1 Aug 2026, 00:00 BST
Notice history
13 events · 5 releases on Find a Tender · since 17 Apr 2025- Preliminary market engagement notice published17 Apr 2025, 10:43 BSTUK2
- Preliminary market engagement notice published20 May 2025, 14:26 BSTUK2
- Published value updated to £43,780,00020 May 2025, 14:26 BSTwas £40,000,000
- Pipeline notice published23 May 2025, 14:22 BSTUK1
- Status changed to planned23 May 2025, 14:22 BST
- Tender notice published22 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMTUK4
- Published value updated to £47,318,79222 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMTwas £43,780,000
- Status changed to active22 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMT
- Procurement method changed22 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMT
- Deadline published: 23 Feb 2026, 12:00 GMT22 Jan 2026, 12:02 GMT
- Contract award notice published24 Jul 2026, 13:40 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete24 Jul 2026, 13:40 BST
- Contract signature expected6 Aug 2026, 23:59 BSTscheduled
Routine re-releases (5)
- 2025-05: 1 release · 20 May 2025
- 2025-04: 1 release · 17 Apr 2025
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Wood Station Minicabs LtdSME, Curo Transport Ltd, Exora International Ltd, GT GETTAXI (UK) LIMITED, Green Destinations Ltd, HATS Group Ltd +11 more6 Aug 2026 – 31 Jul 2029 | £47,200,000 | 22 Jul 2026 | Awarded |
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17final-stage tenders · 30 at stage one | 11 | 1 | — |
Who bid
- wonGT GETTAXI (UK) LIMITED · Greater London
- did not winGulf Cars & Travel Ltd · Greater London
- did not winImperial Couriers UK Ltd · Greater London
- did not winBarre Transport LtdSME · Greater London
- wonLondon Hire Community ServicesSME · Greater London
- wonMMR Homecare LimitedSME · Greater London
- wonHATS Group Ltd · Greater London
- did not winAddision Lee Ltd · Greater London
- did not winOasis Care and Training AgencyVCSE · Greater London
- did not winEuro Plus Private Hire Ltd · Greater London
- did not winComfy Connect Ltd · Greater London
- wonCuro Transport Limited · Greater London
- wonGreen Destinations Ltd · West Midlands
- wonExora International Limited · Greater London
- did not winLocation Cars Ltd · Greater London
- wonAbbey Wood Station Minicabs LtdSME · Greater London
- did not winCascade Car Service Ltd · Greater London
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
2 public bodies on the noticeConsortium members and other public bodies
- The Royal Borough of Kensington & ChelseaContracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government
Framework contractors & participating bidders
17 commercial parties on the notice- Abbey Wood Station Minicabs LtdFramework contractor
- Addision Lee LtdFramework contractor
- Barre Transport LtdFramework contractor
- Cascade Car Service LtdFramework contractor
- Comfy Connect LtdFramework contractor
- Curo Transport LimitedFramework contractor
- Euro Plus Private Hire LtdFramework contractor
- Exora International LimitedFramework contractor
- GT GETTAXI (UK) LIMITEDFramework contractor
- Green Destinations LtdFramework contractor
Show 7 more suppliers
- Gulf Cars & Travel LtdFramework contractor
- HATS Group LtdFramework contractor
- Imperial Couriers UK LtdFramework contractor
- Location Cars LtdFramework contractor
- London Hire Community ServicesFramework contractor
- MMR Homecare LimitedFramework contractor
- Oasis Care and Training AgencyFramework contractor
Official documents & specifications (5)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Pipeline notice Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender