Birmingham City Council has published a Prior Information Notice for the CYP Travel Services Framework Agreement, which will provide school and specialist transport services for Birmingham's Children and Young People's Travel Service (CYPTS). With an estimated value of £360 million including VAT over four years, this is one of the most significant home-to-school and SEN transport procurements currently on the horizon in the UK.
For bus and coach operators, taxi and private hire firms, specialist SEN transport providers, and other businesses delivering passenger transport for local authorities, this is a high-value framework opportunity worth planning for now – even though the formal tender is not expected until April 2027.
If you want an early view of whether this opportunity suits your business, contact Thornton & Lowe for a fast, expert assessment.
About the CYP Travel Services Framework
Birmingham City Council's Children and Young People's Travel Service manages home-to-school transport for thousands of pupils across the city, including significant provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is not a standard passenger transport contract – it requires operators to work within a complex safeguarding and regulatory environment, with rigorous standards around vehicle safety, driver vetting, and service reliability.
As a framework agreement, this procurement will give the Council a pre-approved panel of transport providers from which it can commission services over the four-year term. For operators who secure a place, it provides a structured, ongoing relationship with a major local authority buyer and access to a substantial volume of transport requirements.
For background information, see our transport tenders page.
Key Considerations for Bidders
- Safeguarding is non-negotiable: As this framework covers transport for children and young people, including those with SEND, your submission must demonstrate robust safeguarding policies, DBS processes, and driver training standards. This is likely to be a significant part of the evaluation.
- Expect a multi-lot structure: The framework is likely to be structured across lots – potentially by service type, vehicle category, geography, or pupil need. When the tender is published, review the lot structure carefully and select only those that align with your genuine capability.
- Operational reliability is essential: Birmingham City Council will be looking for operators who can demonstrate consistent, dependable performance. Case studies from comparable local authority or SEND transport contracts will be valuable evidence.
- Plan ahead: The formal notice is not expected until April 2027. Use the time between now and then to gather evidence, review your safeguarding policies, prepare references, and assess your vehicle fleet compliance.
Quick Facts
- Framework type: Framework agreement
- Lead authority: Birmingham City Council
- Service area: Children and Young People's Travel Service (school and specialist transport)
- Total value: £360,000,000 including VAT
- Term: 4 years
- Current status: Prior Information Notice – not yet live for bidding
- View the PIN on Find a Tender
Key Dates
- Indicative tender notice publication: 5 April 2027
Steps to Take Now
- Set a reminder to monitor the Find a Tender notice for publication of the formal tender.
- Begin gathering case studies and references relevant to school transport, SEND services, and local authority contracts.
- Review your safeguarding policies, driver vetting procedures, and vehicle compliance documentation to ensure they are current and well-evidenced.
- Assess your fleet capacity and consider what investment may be needed to meet the Council's requirements, particularly around accessibility.
The CYP Travel Services Framework Agreement is a major, long-term opportunity for specialist transport operators. Competition for places will be strong, and the operators who prepare thoroughly will have a clear advantage when the tender launches.
To get an honest view of your potential fit and maximise your bid's impact, speak to Thornton & Lowe. Our team specialises in frameworks of this size and complexity.
