Driver Quality Monitoring 2026

Transport for London (TfL) is undertaking preliminary market engagement in relation to a potential future procurement for Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) Services for London buses.

DQM provides TfL with independent and objective assessments of bus driving standards across the London bus network. The service involves assessors travelling covertly on buses while they are in service and assessing driver performance against defined criteria covering passenger consideration, driving ability and other safety-related matters.

The indicative requirement includes approximately 7,700 assessments per year, use of suitably qualified and trained assessors, a web-based or mobile assessment solution, data management and reporting capability, daily updates, operator notifications, escalation of serious safety findings, quality assurance, performance reporting and related contract management activities.

The purpose of this engagement is to understand market interest, delivery capacity, potential service models, technology options, pricing structures, mobilisation requirements and any barriers that may affect competition. Feedback received may be used to inform the final specification, commercial model, evaluation approach and procurement strategy.

TfL is issuing a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) to a broad range of suppliers. This notice is published in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. This exercise does not constitute a formal procurement process and does not commit TfL to any subsequent procurement activity.