Nexus is developing a new Bus Services Framework for passenger transport requirements across Tyne and Wear and the wider North East.
The proposed framework has an estimated value of £200 million excluding VAT / £240 million including VAT. It is expected to cover secured local bus services, school and works transport, group travel, seasonal services, Metro replacement services and other operational or emergency requirements.
Nexus is preparing to move quickly from market engagement into procurement, with the formal tender expected in early September 2026. If you're considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe for support assessing the opportunity and preparing your submission.
What services could be included?
The framework is intended to bring a number of passenger transport requirements under one procurement route. The published engagement information refers to:
- secured local bus services;
- school transport;
- works transport;
- taxibus services;
- demand-responsive transport;
- Metro replacement services;
- special-event transport; and
- emergency bus provision.
Nexus has indicated a proposed eight-lot structure, although the final model will be shaped by market feedback.
For wider guidance on competing for council and public transport work, see our guide to transport tenders.
What is Nexus considering?
Supplier engagement has focused on several issues that are likely to remain important as the procurement develops.
These include:
- whether the lotting model is commercially workable;
- proportionate framework qualification requirements;
- SME accessibility;
- mini-competition and direct-award arrangements;
- quality, price and social value evaluation;
- mobilisation risks;
- contract management;
- KPIs and remedies; and
- vehicle and accessibility standards.
Nexus is also considering future vehicle standards, including the potential use of Euro 6 minimum requirements and enhanced accessibility provisions.
For bus operators, this is a strong indication that the bid will need to go beyond route capacity and pricing. Operational resilience, vehicle standards, accessibility, mobilisation and contract management should all form part of early preparation.
When is the tender expected?
Nexus's indicative timetable anticipates:
- PSQ and ITT release: 1 to 11 September 2026
- Clarification period: September
- Tender deadline: expected between 9 and 16 October 2026
- Evaluation and appointments: October to November 2026.
The framework is currently expected to run for three years, with an option to extend for up to two further years.
Quick facts
- Buyer: Nexus
- Estimated value: £200m excluding VAT / £240m including VAT
- Potential term: Up to five years
- Proposed lots: Eight
- Coverage: North East England
- SME suitability: Yes
- Estimated tender publication: 7 September 2026
- Expected tender return: October 2026
- View the official Find a Tender notice
Prepare for a fast-moving procurement
The gap between preliminary engagement and the anticipated tender is short. Suppliers interested in the framework should therefore start organising relevant case studies, vehicle and fleet information, mobilisation evidence and operational performance data now.
Thornton & Lowe can help operators make an early bid/no-bid decision and then support planning, writing and review once the tender documents are released. Contact our bid team to discuss the Nexus opportunity.
