Rural Mobility Fund Pilot Bus Operator

Cumberland Council is procuring a contract for the delivery of a new Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) Scheme with funding from the Department of Transport (DfT).The proposed DDRT service will form part of the Rural Mobility Fund (RMF) Pilot and aims to improve rural connectivity across Cumberland. This initiative is intended to provide flexible, digitally enabled transport solutions for communities that currently have limited or no access to conventional public transport services. Operators will be expected to: i. Deliver high-quality bus services for the duration of the contract, ensuring all services are properly registered with the Traffic Commissioners. ii. Exercise all necessary skill, care, and diligence in the provision of the services at all times. iii. Take all reasonable steps to prioritise passenger comfort and safety. iv. Ensure that all legally required licences, approvals, registrations, permits, insurances, and related obligations are obtained and maintained throughout the contract period. The DRT Model will: i. provide flexible, reliable access to essential services, employment, education, and leisure. ii. Complement rather than compete with existing fixed‑route bus and rail services. iii. Improve connectivity and accessibility for rural communities. iv. Support an integrated, customer‑focused public transport network under the Cumberland GO brand. The service operates as a hybrid model, combining fixed timetables with a controlled demand‑responsive element. The Council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 1 year/12 months with the successful tenderer. There are 2 optional extensions available of [up to] 12 months each. It is up to the council whether or not to implement these optional extensions. If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 4th June 2027. The total contract value is £250000 (including any optional extensions, potential uplifts, inflation and VAT). If the council implements the 2 optional extensions, the contract will end on 4th June 2029. This figure is indicative only as the extension periods and uplifts are not guaranteed. If the council implements an extension or uplift, this will be confirmed with the successful supplier in advance. If the services to be provided are VAT exempt then VAT cannot be charged by the successful supplier. For further details and to access the tender documents use our online procurement portal, The Chest https://www.the-chest.org.uk You must be registered on The Chest to be able to view the opportunity and submit a tender. Registration is free. Ensure you read and understand the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and its appendices before completing the tender documents. Clarification questions can be asked on The Chest messaging section. You should take note of the deadlines in the Procurement Timetable, which is in the ITT. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT). Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.