The contracting authority has awarded a contract for the provision of local bus transport services to facilitate the travel of students from all surrounding areas to New College Durham sites within County Durham. The service must provide: • Frequent services to accommodate flexible college hours, recognising that students do not always travel within traditional core times. (covering all routes during college hours every 15 minutes) • Numerous pick-up and drop-off locations across the surrounding areas to ensure accessibility for all students. • Affordable transport solutions, taking into account the financial pressures on students and families. • Modern ticketing options, including the use of a mobile app or travel card, to allow easy access, booking, and monitoring of journeys. The service is required for a period of ten (10) months, commencing asap.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award This contract is being directly awarded without competition under the relevant provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 on the grounds that only Go North East & Arriva has the operational capability, fleet availability, established network, and route coverage necessary to deliver the required services in full. Key reasons include: • Exclusive Coverage: Go North East & Arriva are the sole operator with an existing network of scheduled and supported services covering all surrounding areas of County Durham required for student transport. • Operational Readiness: The provider already operates buses on the required routes and can mobilise immediately without the need for additional infrastructure or licensing. • Service Flexibility: Go North East & Arriva have the fleet and scheduling capacity to deliver services across a broad range of hours, matching the flexible nature of college timetables. • Accessibility: The operator can provide numerous pick-up and drop-off points to match the college's requirements. • Affordable Travel: Go North East & Arriva are uniquely positioned to deliver services at affordable student rates through its established fare structures and concessionary schemes. • Digital Ticketing: The provider already offers modern travel solutions including mobile apps and travel cards, which are necessary for student convenience and efficient service management. • No Viable Alternative: Market assessment confirmed that no other local operator can provide comprehensive coverage across the catchment area while meeting the frequency, affordability, and technology requirements.