Framework For Transportation
Framework Description
Renfrewshire Council's Framework for Transportation is a multi-provider framework for bus, taxi and private hire car services, replacing the Council's previous arrangement. It has four lots: ASN buses, ASN taxis, ad-hoc buses and ad-hoc taxis. The framework began in mid-June 2026 and runs until 30 June 2030, with no extension and no guaranteed minimum spend.
Context & Use Case
Children's Services are the main users, transporting children and adults with additional support needs (ASN) on regular, planned trips, but the framework is open to all Council services and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership. The ad-hoc lots cover urgent and emergency trips, and some trips need an escort as advised by the Council.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: ASN buses (planned trips) Lot 2: ASN taxis and private hire (planned trips) Lot 3: Ad-hoc buses (urgent and emergency) Lot 4: Ad-hoc taxis (urgent and emergency) Escorts where the Council requires them
Lots
Yes: ASN Buses (Lot 1), ASN Taxis (Lot 2), Ad-hoc Buses (Lot 3), Ad-hoc Taxis (Lot 4)
Who Can Apply
Suits bus operators and taxi and private hire firms in and around Renfrewshire with experience transporting children and vulnerable adults. The framework is now in force and closed to new applications, so operators not appointed will need to wait for the re-tender, likely around 30 June 2030.
Buyer Benefits
Separating planned ASN routes from ad-hoc work lets the Council use specialist operators for regular school and care runs while keeping a fast route for emergencies. One framework serves Children's Services, other Council departments and the Health and Social Care Partnership, and having no guaranteed spend keeps costs tied to actual demand.
Next Steps
Appointed operators should keep drivers, escorts and vehicles compliant and respond quickly to ad-hoc requests, as performance on urgent work builds reputation. Operators not on the framework should review the Find a Tender notice to understand the lot requirements, and build ASN transport and safeguarding evidence ahead of a 2030 re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
Appointed operators can use Athena's competitor and pricing analysis for any further competition the Council runs under the framework, so rates stay competitive without losing money on long ASN routes.
For operators outside it, our framework and DPS finder identifies other council transport frameworks open now and prepares the applications, and Athena's help bidding for council contracts covers the 2030 re-tender, from the bid/no-bid decision through to a compliant, well-priced submission.
