Passenger Transport Framework

Passenger transport framework for Children with SEND, Looked after Children and Vulnerable Adults.

The tender will use the Competitive Flexible Procedure is proposed to be divided in two lots:

Lot 1: Home to school transport for SEND children and young people (with and without the passenger assistant requirement) - Minibuses, People Carriers and/ or Taxis.

Lot 2: Ad-hoc journeys (may include some repeat bookings) for Looked After Children and Vulnerable Adults to meet assessed needs (with and without the passenger assistant requirement).

With the intention of creating an Open Framework for the duration of 4 years.

Key requirements for providers include:

• Proven expertise as established providers of passenger Transport.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date safeguarding training for all drivers and passenger assistants to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable service users.
• A commitment to maintaining high operational standards, punctual service delivery, and professional care.

All suppliers must strictly comply with Transport for London (TfL) taxi licensing and emissions regulations. Furthermore, suppliers will be required to manage and transition their vehicle fleets progressively to lower-emission alternatives, aiming to mirror the Council's target of maximizing battery-powered vehicle use.

This procurement is essential to ensure that compliant contract arrangements are in place by the time the current DPS ends and ensure the continuation of a high quality and good value transport provision for eligible service users in the borough.

The council has a statutory duty as set out in Section 508B of the Education Act 1996: local authorities in England must provide free home-to-school transport for "eligible children" of compulsory school age (5–16 years). This includes free travel arrangements for children attending their nearest suitable school who live beyond statutory walking distances or cannot walk due to their Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities.

Travel assistance can be provided by the council under the Care Act 2014 in order to enable an Adult with assessed eligible care and support needs, or a carer, to make use of necessary facilities or services in the local community. The council has the discretion to support other groups with travel under Section 508C of the Education Act 1996.