Extension: WSCC Passenger Transport DPS
Framework Description
West Sussex County Council has extended its Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System by 22 months, so it now remains valid until 23 February 2029. The DPS buys passenger transport services across a range of vehicle types and route requirements. It is a continuously open electronic system: suppliers already admitted stay on it without reapplying, and new operators can apply at any point before the extended end date.
Context & Use Case
West Sussex County Council uses the DPS to contract passenger transport routes as they arise, without running a full open tender for each one. Contracts are awarded by competition among admitted operators. Extending the DPS rather than replacing it keeps existing suppliers in place and lets the council keep buying transport routes through the same system until February 2029.
Scope of Services
Passenger transport services for West Sussex County Council Vehicles across a range of types and sizes Services to meet varying route requirements
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Licensed passenger transport operators, from single-vehicle owner-drivers to larger coach, minibus and taxi firms, that meet the selection criteria and are not caught by the exclusion grounds. New operators can apply to join at any time during the extension period, up to 23 February 2029.
Buyer Benefits
The council can award routes quickly from a pool of operators who have already passed selection, and it can keep adding operators where supply is thin. That helps it respond when routes change, contracts fail or new demand appears, without waiting for a framework re-tender.
Next Steps
If you are already admitted, no action is needed to stay on the DPS; watch for route competitions. If not, read the Find a Tender notice (010315-2022) for the selection criteria and the electronic system used for applications, then apply. Have your operator licence, insurance, vehicle details and safeguarding checks ready before you start.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps transport operators get admitted to systems like this through our DPS application support, answering the selection questions and checking compliance before submission.
Once you are on the DPS, routes are won on price and quality, often at short notice. Our help with bid writing covers quality responses, pricing models and a health check on each submission, and our council tender advice helps you decide which routes are worth bidding for.
