School and Social Care Transport Framework Tender

Reading Borough Council is seeking suppliers for a framework agreement to provide school and social care transport services. The tender is divided into two lots: Lot 1 – School Transport: The Council has a statutory obligation to provide free travel assistance to eligible pupils. This includes bus passes for most qualifying students and bespoke arrangements (such as taxis or minibuses) for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Currently, 536 pre-16 and 90 post-16 learners receive Council-arranged transport at a forecast cost of £4.52 million for 2025-2026. The existing framework is ending, and this tender represents an opportunity to review and improve procurement processes. Lot 2 – Ad Hoc Social Care Transport: The Council requires occasional transport services for children and young people in the care system to attend appointments, activities, and placement moves. Interested suppliers should submit an Expression of Interest to access full tender documentation via the portal. Expressions of Interest close at 23:59 on 7 October 2026. All inquiries should be submitted through the correspondence link on the procurement portal.