PB2023-01219 DPS
Framework Description
PB2023-01219 is Darlington Borough Council's dynamic purchasing system for Home to School, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Vulnerable Adult Passenger Transport Services. It is split into lots by vehicle size, with a separate lot for emergency and short-notice trips. The DPS runs until 30 June 2028 with no extension, and as a DPS it stays open to new transport operators for that whole period.
Context & Use Case
Darlington's transport teams use the DPS to place school, SEN and adult social care transport routes with accredited operators. Routes are matched to the right lot by passenger numbers and access needs, such as tail-lift vehicles for wheelchair users. Lot 5 covers emergency and short-notice requirements, so the council can fill a route quickly when the need arises.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: vehicles with 1-4 passenger seats Lot 2: vehicles with 5-16 passenger seats Lot 3: vehicles with 12-16 passenger seats and a tail-lift Lot 4: vehicles with 22 or more passenger seats Lot 5: emergency, short-term and short-notice requirements (sub-lots 5a-5d by vehicle size)
Lots
Lot 1 1-4 passenger seats; Lot 2 5-16 passenger seats; Lot 3 12-16 passenger seats with tail-lift; Lot 4 22+ passenger seats; Lot 5 Emergency short-term and/or short notice requirements (sub-lots 5a-5d)
Who Can Apply
The DPS suits taxi and private hire firms, minibus operators, coach companies and community transport providers able to carry children and vulnerable adults safely. It accepts applications while it runs, so operators can join now and choose the lots that match their fleet. Each extra vehicle category you qualify for widens the routes you can bid on.
Buyer Benefits
The council can let individual routes quickly from a pool of pre-checked operators, and add new operators when demand or capacity changes. Splitting lots by vehicle size means buyers compare like with like, and the emergency lot gives cover when routes need filling within days. Buyers in this area care about safeguarding, reliability and continuity for passengers as much as price.
Next Steps
Open the Find a Tender notice for PB2023-01219 to find the application documents and the portal used to apply. Decide which lots match your vehicles, including whether you can serve Lot 3 with tail-lift vehicles or offer short-notice cover under Lot 5. Prepare licensing, insurance and safeguarding evidence for drivers and passenger assistants before you apply. The DPS closes on 30 June 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Joining a passenger transport DPS is mostly about getting the selection questions and evidence right first time. Through our DPS application support, Athena would confirm which of the five lots fit your fleet, write the application and check every compliance answer before submission.
Once you are accredited, routes are competed among DPS members, so our public sector pricing help can build per-route pricing that wins and still covers your costs. For larger route packages, our bid writing team can draft the quality answers on safeguarding, reliability and driver vetting.
