UK University Tenders Major Student Service
The University of Portsmouth in the UK is seeking bids for a 'pay-to-use' bus service for its staff and students. This public tender is an example of the ongoing procurement cycles for student-facing infrastructure at UK universities.
- The awarded contract to First Hampshire & Dorset Limited is valued at £3,646,412 (excluding VAT) over its initial three-year term. - The service is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025, and run until August 31, 2028, with an option to extend for two additional years. - The tender specifies two main routes: the U1, a circular route through student housing areas in Southsea, and the U2, connecting the city centre campus to the Langstone sports pitches. - One of the stated goals for the bus service is to reduce personal car usage among students and staff, thereby improving local air quality. - The contract outlines key performance indicators, including a requirement for at least 95% of services to run no more than one minute early and no more than five minutes late. - This tender continues an existing service, as the U1 and U2 routes are already in operation, requiring students to use a digital ticket on the First Bus app. - The procurement process attracted three bids, with First Hampshire & Dorset Limited ultimately being awarded the single-supplier contract. - The contract requires the service provider to be flexible, with the capability to add duplicate or additional vehicles to meet fluctuating demand during peak times and special university events.
