Surrey County Council has launched a major framework for the Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services. It is set to cover the county's requirements for transporting a range of service users who need assistance, from children with SEND to adults with complex health needs. With an estimated value of £686,979,840 (including VAT) over nearly eight years, this is one of the most significant transport frameworks currently in the market.
The submission deadline is 30 May 2026. If your organisation provides any form of assisted passenger transport, contact Thornton & Lowe for an independent assessment before you commit to a bid.
Lot Structure
- Lot 1: Standard Transport Services: General assisted passenger transport for eligible client groups.
- Lot 2: Enhanced Needs Transport Services: Transport for clients who require a greater level of tailored assistance.
- Lot 3: Complex (Health) Transport Services: Specialist transport for clients with complex health or medical needs, requiring correspondingly specialist vehicles, trained staff or both.
Who Is This Relevant To?
This framework is aimed at providers of assisted passenger transport. The most relevant organisations include:
- SEND home-to-school transport operators
- Wheelchair accessible vehicle operators
- Specialist medical transport providers
- Community transport organisations
- Personal assistant transport services
Given the spectrum from standard to complex health transport, providers at all levels of specialism should review whether one or more lots are a fit for their current operations.
Bidding Considerations
- Lot selection: Only bid for lots where you can robustly evidence current competence. Lot 3 in particular will require demonstration of appropriate vehicle specifications, staff training and clinical or medical transport protocols.
- Nearly eight years: The framework's unusually long duration demands that your submission evidences not just current capability, but a credible plan for sustaining and improving your service over the full term. Investors, vehicles, staffing and technology will all need to be considered.
- Safeguarding: As a framework transporting vulnerable adults and children, robust safeguarding policies, DBS compliance and driver training will be central to the evaluation.
- Scalability: With a value exceeding £686 million, commissioners will expect suppliers to be able to scale their operations as demand grows, particularly for Lots 2 and 3.
View the full notice on Find a Tender.
Quick Facts
- Buyer: Surrey County Council
- Value: £686,979,840 (including VAT)
- Duration: 7 years, 8 months
- Lots: 3 (Standard, Enhanced Needs, Complex Health)
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 30 May 2026
For transport providers with the right credentials, this is a rare opportunity to secure a long-term public sector contract at significant scale. Don't leave your bid preparation to the last minute. Get in touch with Thornton & Lowe today.
