Framework Agreement for Ad-Hoc Minibus & Coach Provision

Description

North Lanarkshire Council requires the provision of passenger transport services to supplement its existing arrangements managed by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) for school pupil transport (drop-offs and pickups before and after the school day), and transport for pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN). Contractors interested in participating in the opportunity should be able to demonstrate the following: Proven experience in delivering flexible, on-demand passenger transport services, including school trips and community events. Commitment to safety, including a strong health and safety record, robust safeguarding practices, and compliance with all relevant transport regulations. Environmental awareness, with efforts to reduce emissions and adopt sustainable transport practices where possible. Financial stability, with the ability to deliver services reliably and within agreed budgets. Appropriate insurance cover, including public liability and employer’s liability aligned with the scale and nature of operations. Interested Contractors should review this Prior Information Notice in full and follow instructions stated to the Additional Information section to aid the council in developing this requirement. Lot 1: To supplement the Council’s internal transport arrangements and fleet, multiple external operators are currently engaged on an ad hoc basis to meet transport requirements for schools and other services. The Council seeks to streamline the current approach by appointing contractors to deliver required services under a formal agreement. This will improve consistency and ensure compliance with statutory obligations. The Council requires service quality to be maintained at a high level, with punctuality, safety, and accessibility prioritised. To meet this need, the Council intends to establish a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework arrangement with minibus and coach companies with a sufficient fleet size to undertake service delivery. This approach should support a range of transport requirements, including (but not limited to) minibus and coach hire on an ad hoc basis to deliver education curriculum and school outings, integrated day support services etc. The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 will require all individuals appointed to either arrangement to hold PVG” membership as a legal requirement for all regulated roles. Operators must hold a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator’s Licence for carrying passengers for hire or reward. Drivers need the correct PCV licence and Driver CPC certification. Vehicles must comply with Construction and Use Regulations and be maintained to DVSA standards Performance monitoring arrangements will be implemented to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement. North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors to participate in a procurement exercise for a framework agreement to undertaken. Additional information: The Councils lot structure is still to be determined with this market engagement exercise anticipated to assist with this process. Interested Contractors should review this Prior Information Notice in full and follow instructions stated to the Additional Information section to aid the council in developing this requirement.