Tender: Digital Demand Responsive Transport Bus Operator – Cumberland Council Rural Mobility Fund Pilot

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Cumberland Council is seeking a supplier for a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) bus operator to deliver a Rural Mobility Fund (RMF) pilot that improves rural connectivity across Cumberland. The operator will be required to deliver high-quality bus services registered with the Traffic Commissioners, exercise all necessary skill, care and diligence, prioritise passenger comfort and safety, and ensure all legally required licences, approvals, registrations, permits and insurances are obtained and maintained throughout the contract. The DRT model is a hybrid combining fixed timetables with a controlled demand-responsive element to provide flexible, reliable access to essential services, employment, education and leisure while complementing existing fixed-route bus and rail services under the Cumberland GO brand. The council proposes an initial contract term of 12 months (ending 4 June 2027 if only the initial term is used) with two optional 12-month extensions (up to 4 June 2029 if both are implemented); the total indicative contract value is £250,000 including any optional extensions, potential uplifts, inflation and VAT, and VAT cannot be charged if the services are VAT-exempt.