Rail Replacement Service - Bus and Coach Operators- Release 2
The contract covers rail replacement transport services for Transport for Wales Rail Limited (TfWRL), a utility-sector rail operator, through the second opening of its Rail Replacement Services Open Framework. Suppliers are expected to provide buses, coaches and minibuses for rail replacement operations across Wales and TfWRL’s cross-border routes, together with ad hoc passenger transport services when required. The estimated framework value is £71,576,858, although the tender details do not specify a fixed contract duration or end date. Services will be delivered across Wales and the United Kingdom regions identified as UKF, UKH, UKI, UKC, UKD, UKJ and UKK. The tender information does not state a specific mandatory certification, licence or other bidder qualification; however, the critical requirement is the ability to provide compliant bus, coach and minibus passenger transport services for TfWRL’s rail replacement and ad hoc operational needs.
Buyer: Transport for Wales Rail Limited (Utility Buyer). Source: Find a Tender. Updated 2 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £81m
- Bids close: 27 Oct 2026
- Location: Wales, East Midlands (England), East of England, London, North East (England), North West (England), South East (England), South West (England), West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and The Humber, Central Valleys
- Procedure: Competitive flexible procedure
- Contract period: 7 Dec 2026 to 23 Jul 2034
- Category: Public road transport services (60112000)
From the official notice
Transport for Wales Rail (TfWRL) are in-housing the co-ordination and management of Rail Replacement Service (RRS) across Wales and Border routes operated by TfWRL within Wales and between Wales and England. Or any such route operated by TfW as may arise in future. This means that all pre-planned and emergency rail replacement services currently provided by coach and bus operators through an aggregator agreement, will be contracted for as services, directly by TfWRL. This procurement also includes the requirement for adhoc travel services to be commissioned via this framework as they arise. Based upon 25/26 Financial year data, approximately 6,000 emergency duties and 21,000 planned duties were delivered by circa 110 different operators. It is currently intended the Open Framework will run for the maximum 8 year term. This procurement relates to the second opening of the Rail Replacement Services Open Framework and provides an opportunity for additional operators to apply for the framework and current operators to update their submissions. Full information of how to do so is included in the ITT pack.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 27 Oct 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £81m.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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