Rail Replacement Service - Bus and Coach Operators

Procurement reference

TfW0993.02

Procurement description

Transport for Wales Rail Limited (TfWRL) is planning the second opening of its Rail Replacement Services Open Framework.

The framework supports the provision of rail replacement bus, coach and minibus services across Wales and cross-border routes operated by TfWRL. The framework also includes the provision of ad hoc passenger transport services where required.

Following the successful launch of the framework earlier in 2026, TfWRL is seeking to re-engage with existing suppliers and engage potential new suppliers ahead of the second opening of the framework.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKF - East Midlands (England)
• UKH - East of England
• UKI - London
• UKC - North East (England)
• UKD - North West (England)
• UKJ - South East (England)
• UKK - South West (England)

Total value (estimated)

71576858.00 GBP Excluding VAT

85892229.00 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

04 December 2026, 00:00AM to 24 August 2034, 23:59PM

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Transport for Wales Rail Limited (Utility Buyer)

Transport for Wales

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 60100000 - Road transport services

Delivery regions

• UKF - East Midlands (England)
• UKH - East of England
• UKI - London
• UKC - North East (England)
• UKD - North West (England)
• UKJ - South East (England)
• UKK - South West (England)

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

04 December 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

24 August 2034, 23:59PM

Engagement process description

Following the successful launch of the initial open framework earlier in 2026, TfWRL is seeking to engage with potential new suppliers ahead of the second opening of the framework.

TfWRL invites bus, coach and minibus operators to attend a market engagement webinar to learn more about:

*The Rail Replacement Services framework and upcoming Release 2 opportunity.

*How the Open Framework operates and the benefits of participation.

*Opportunities for new operators to join the framework.

*The anticipated procurement timetable.

*Tender support available to suppliers.

*Questions and answers with the TfWRL project team.

The indicative timetable is:

*Market Engagement Webinar for operators already appointed to the framework: 25/09/26.

*Market Engagement Webinar for new operators interested in learning more about this opportunity: 28/09/26.

*Tender Publication: Late September 2026

*Tender Closing Date: Late October 2026

*Evaluation and Award: Early December 2026

The dates provided are indicative and may be amended at the Authority's discretion.

The previous UK2 unique identifying reference for the initial establishment of the open framework was: ocds-h6vhtk-060348

Due date

28 September 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

29 September 2026