Scope
Procurement reference
C001366.00
Procurement description
The Welsh Government (WG) and Transport for Wales (TfW) share a clear ambition to deliver a more accessible, efficient and sustainable transport network across Wales. Along the west coast of Wales, this includes improving public transport connectivity and encouraging a modal shift away from private car use, in line with the National Transport Delivery Plan and Regional Transport Plans.
A Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) Stage 3 appraisal identified the introduction of an express coach service between Bangor and Carmarthen as the preferred intervention to support these objectives. By reducing the number of intermediate stops, improving journey times and providing a high-quality onboard passenger experience, the service is intended to attract longer-distance travellers, including students, tourists and local residents. It will also aid future strategic investment in the wider public transport network and support the delivery of integrated, multimodal travel across Wales.
Transport for Wales intends to introduce the service in October 2026 through the appointment of one or more operating partners following completion of a competitive procurement process.
The contract will appoint one or more suitably qualified operators to deliver the express coach service on behalf of Transport for Wales. The successful operator(s) will be responsible for the operation of the service in accordance with the contract specification, including day-to-day service delivery, and compliance with all operational, safety and performance requirements established by Transport for Wales.
Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)
10400000.00 GBP to 10400000.00GBP
Contract dates (estimated)
25 October 2026, 00:00AM to 24 October 2027, 23:59PM
Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 24 October 2030
Contracting authority
Transport for Wales (TfW)
Identification register:
Address 1: 3 Llys Cadwyn
Town/City: Pontypridd
Postcode: CF37 4TH
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://tfw.wales/
Companies House: 09476013
Contact name: TfW Procurement
Email: Procurement@tfw.wales
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Is this procurement under a special regime?
Utilities
Is the total value above threshold?
Above threshold
Lots
Divided into 1 lots
Lot number: 1
CPV classifications
- 50100000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services of vehicles and related equipment
- 60100000 - Road transport services
- 34121100 - Public-service buses
Lot value (estimated)
10400000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
10400000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
25 October 2026, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
24 October 2027, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
24 October 2030, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
Initial term of one (1) year, with the option to extend for three (3) x further periods of up to one (1) year, at TfW's sole discretion.
Does the lot include options?
Yes
Description of options
While additional purchases are not anticipated at this time, TfW may require variation to volumes and frequencies of scope in the future. If such a requirement is established, variations will be processed via the contracted change control process and subject to compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 Regulations and internal governance procedures.
Participation
Conditions of participation
As per ITT Documentation
Conditions of participation
As per ITT Documentation
Award criteria
Type: quality
Name
Quality
Description
Quality
Weighting: 45.00
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: price
Name
Price
Description
Price
Weighting: 45.00
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Description
Social Value
Weighting: 10.00
Weighting type: percentageExact
Contract terms and risks
Payment terms
As per ITT Documentation
Description of risks to contract performance
As per ITT Documentation
Tender submission deadline
03 August 2026, 12:00PM
Enquiry deadline
20 July 2026, 12:00PM
Date of award of contract
18 August 2026, 23:59PM
Submission address and any special instructions
Via the TfW Atamis Procurement Portal (https://tfw.my.site.com/s/Welcome) using code: C0200.Once you have registered, you will find the home screen with various access links. To view and register onto any Transport for Wales tender opportunities, click on the ‘Find Opportunities’ section on the home page. Once you have registered for the tenders you are interested in, return to the home page where you’ll find the ‘My Proposals and Quotes’ button.
May tenders be submitted electronically?
Yes
Is this a recurring procurement?
No
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated)
01 February 2030, 23:59PM
Languages that may be used for submission
Tender submission deadline
03 August 2026, 12:00PM
Enquiry deadline
20 July 2026, 12:00PM
Date of award of contract
18 August 2026, 23:59PM
Submission address and any special instructions
Via the TfW Atamis Procurement Portal (https://tfw.my.site.com/s/Welcome) using code: C0200.Once you have registered, you will find the home screen with various access links. To view and register onto any Transport for Wales tender opportunities, click on the ‘Find Opportunities’ section on the home page. Once you have registered for the tenders you are interested in, return to the home page where you’ll find the ‘My Proposals and Quotes’ button.
May tenders be submitted electronically?
Yes
Is this a recurring procurement?
No
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated)
01 February 2030, 23:59PM
Languages that may be used for submission
Document type
Conflict of interest
Description
Not published