Passenger Transport Open Framework

North Yorkshire Council (the Authority) is seeking tenders from suitably qualified suppliers to join its Passenger Transport Open Framework. The Open Framework is being established to provide a range of passenger transport services, including Home to School Transport and other transport-related services, through a diverse network of approved Suppliers with relevant expertise and capabilities. The Open Framework will be divided into the following Lots • Lot 1 - Vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats (including accessible vehicles) • Lot 2 - Vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seats (including accessible vehicles) • Lot 3 - Vehicles with 17 or more passenger seats Lots are categorised according to vehicle seating capacity and/or accessibility provisions rather than vehicle size. Suppliers may apply for all Lots that are relevant to the services they are able to provide. The majority of the transport will be provided within the North Yorkshire boundary however there is an element that will be delivered out of the area. This tender notice is for the award of a public contract through an open procedure in accordance with section 20(1) and (2)(a) of the PA 2023. To support the development of this procurement, the Authority issued a Request for Information (RFI) on 3 February 2025. The RFI was published to the market to gather feedback from existing and potential suppliers on key aspects of the proposed framework, including: • Procurement processes and documentation • Pricing approaches and market conditions • Barriers to participation and supplier engagement In addition, the Authority worked in partnership with Go4Growth to deliver a supplier engagement webinar. The session provided an overview of the Open Framework model and covered topics including: • Understanding Open Frameworks • Registration requirements for the Central Digital Platform • Available support tools to assist with the tendering process • The proposed high-level procurement timetable This market engagement activity has helped inform the development of the Open Framework and ensures that the procurement process is accessible, transparent, and reflective of current market conditions. All transport services are in scope for lot 1. The vehicles shall be licenced private hire or hackney carriages. All private hire vehicles used by the Supplier must be licensed by the same authority that issued the supplier's Private Hire Operator Licence. Accessible vehicles shall satisfy the requirements of the Authority's Integrated Passenger Transport wheelchair accessible vehicle specification. All transport services are in scope for lot 2. All vehicles shall be operated under a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator's Licence held by the supplier. Two or more Hackney Carriages and/or Private Hire vehicles may be utilised, where the minimum number of passenger seats, as specified in the Route Specification, are provided. Accessible vehicles shall satisfy the requirements of the Authority's Integrated Passenger Transport wheelchair accessible vehicle specification. All transport services are in scope for lot 3. Vehicles licenced for 17 - 22 passengers which are accessible need to meet IPT requirements as set out in specifications, where required. Vehicles licenced for 17 - 22 passengers which are accessible need to meet IPT requirements as set out in the specification, where required. Vehicles licenced for 23 passengers or above need to meet the requirements of the service Route Specification and the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) 2000 requirements, or as subsequently amended, where specified in the Route Specification. Suppliers with PSVAR Exemptions for closed Home to School transport services shall comply with the requirements at all times.