The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council has published an open framework agreement for the provision of transport services for vulnerable service users, with an estimated value of £100,000,000 including VAT over eight years. The framework covers a broad range of passenger types: children with special educational needs (SEN), looked after children, young people with behavioural considerations, and eligible adults, including transport with escorts where required.
This is a substantial long-term opportunity for taxi operators, accessible transport specialists, minibus providers, and specialist transport companies with experience working with vulnerable passengers in a local authority context. The open framework structure means there will be opportunities to join at multiple points during the eight-year term, but applying promptly gives you the greatest access to early call-offs.
Thinking about bidding? Contact Thornton & Lowe: we can review the tender documentation and give you a clear view of what you'll need. You may also find our transport tenders page a helpful starting point.
Who Is This For?
The strongest candidates for this framework are transport operators with direct experience of working with vulnerable passengers, particularly in an education or social care context. This includes:
- Licensed taxi and private hire operators with DBS-checked drivers and safeguarding policies
- Accessible transport providers offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and specialist passenger assistance
- Minibus and small coach operators already delivering SEN or home-to-school transport
- Community transport organisations with a social care or local authority commissioning background
Pure commercial taxi companies without prior public sector, SEN, or vulnerable passenger experience may find the compliance requirements challenging. The Council will expect robust safeguarding arrangements as a baseline, not an add-on.
Key Requirements to Plan For
- Safeguarding: This is non-negotiable. DBS checks for all drivers and chaperones, child protection policies, and clear reporting procedures must be fully documented and demonstrably embedded in your operations.
- Escort arrangements: Many journeys will require escorts in addition to drivers. Your bid needs to clearly explain how you coordinate and manage multi-occupancy journeys safely and reliably.
- Accessibility: Evidence your fleet's accessibility capability, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, harness and restraint systems, and any specialist adaptations for particular needs.
- Open framework rules: As an open framework, new suppliers can join during the contract period. Check the specific rules in the published documentation around admission windows and any qualification criteria.
Key Details at a Glance
- Buyer: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
- Value: £100,000,000 including VAT
- Duration: 8 years
- Type: Open Framework Agreement
- Services: Transport for eligible children (including SEN, looked after children, and those with behavioural needs) and eligible adults, including escort provision
- Submission deadline: 1 June 2026
- Find a Tender notice: View the official notice here
Bid Tips
- Lead with safeguarding: Put your safeguarding policies, procedures, and training at the front of your response: this is what Bradford Council will care about most.
- Be specific about fleet: List your accessible vehicles, capacity, and any specialist equipment. Generic statements about "reliable transport" will not be sufficient.
- Reference relevant experience: If you already deliver SEN transport or adult social care transport for any local authority, name it. These are the most relevant case studies you can provide.
- Demonstrate long-term commitment: An eight-year agreement requires the Council to trust that your business will be operating and compliant throughout. Address business stability, recruitment practices, and driver retention.
This is a meaningful opportunity for transport operators committed to delivering safe, reliable services for some of Bradford's most vulnerable residents. Get in touch with Thornton & Lowe for a rapid review to assess your suitability and make the most of this framework.
