Contract award notice – utilities
Section I: Contracting
entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
1 Mann Island
Liverpool
L31BP
UK
Contact person: Procurement Team
E-mail: tender@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
NUTS: UKD7
Internet address(es)
Main address: www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
I.6) Main activity
Other: Public Transport
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) Bus Franchising Tranche 1 Category 2
Reference number: DN790118
II.1.2) Main CPV code
60112000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement
Value excluding VAT:
45 762 833.00
GBP
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Schools Services St Helens
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD71
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Schools Services Wirral
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD74
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Schools Services Liverpool & Knowsley
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD71
UKD72
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 4
II.2.1) Title
Schools Services Sefton
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD73
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 5
II.2.1) Title
General Services 322
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD7
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 6
II.2.1) Title
General Services 811
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60112000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD7
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
On 25 April 2023, LCRCA published an Assessment on Bus Franchising in the Liverpool City Region which sets out the proposed bus Franchising Scheme in accordance with the Transport Act. In October 2023, the Liverpool City Region Mayor made a Franchising Scheme covering the Liverpool City Region. Franchising is to be introduced over a number of tranches of procurement. Franchised contracts will be let in two categories: i. Category 1 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements involving multiple services that will operate from a depot provided by LCRCA. LCRCA will provide the depot from which the services relating to the Category 1 franchise must be operated. LCRCA will predominately provide the fleet that must be used on the Category 1 franchise. ii. Category 2 franchises, which are those Franchise Agreements which either i) provide services to serve schools or ii) provide other local services. In both cases the franchises will be delivered from an operator's own depot. This notice relates to Category 2 franchises. The first tranche of Category 2 franchises relate to St Helens, Wirral and Sefton and South Liverpool. Key elements of Category 2 franchises will include: Delivery of requirement: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide bus services in accordance with detailed individual franchise package specifications. Revenue risk: the operator will not be required to assume revenue risk. Revenue risk will be primarily taken by LCRCA. Depots: the operator of each franchise will be required to provide the depot(s) from which the Category 2 franchises will be operated. Buses: the operator of each franchise will primarily be responsible for providing the vehicles which will operate Category 2 franchises. Repair, maintenance and servicing of buses: the operator will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and servicing of vehicles whilst ensuring that there are in a roadworthy condition. Staff: the operator is responsible for ensuring that it has all necessary and suitably trained staff to deliver the requirement detailed in the individual franchise specifications.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 60
Price
/ Weighting:
40
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
Category 2 franchises include options for the initial term to be extended for up to two (2) additional years.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated with call for competition
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:
2025/S 000-004341
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 1
Title: Schools Services St Helens
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Huyton Travel Ltd
01978539
Harrington House 25 High Street, Harrington,
Northampton
NN6 9NU
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 9 336 823.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 2
Title: Schools Services Wirral
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 3
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 2
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 3
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Huyton Travel Ltd
01978539
Harrington House 25 High Street, Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 14 605 721.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 3
Title: Schools Services Liverpool & Knowsley
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Huyton Travel Ltd
01978539
Harrington House 25 High Street, Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 5 817 555.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 4
Title: Schools Services Sefton
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Huyton Travel Ltd
01978539
Harrington House 25 High Street, Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 8 100 189.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 5
Title: General Services 322
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Warringtons Own Buses
01990371
Warrington's Own Buses, Dallam Lane
Warrington
WA2 7NT
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 5 870 951.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 6
Title: General Services 811
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
31/03/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Huyton Travel Ltd
01978539
Harrington House 25 High Street, Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
UK
NUTS: UKD7
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot:
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 2 031 594.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Royal Courts of Justice
London
WC2A 2LL
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
29/04/2026