CPCA Bus Service Tendering – Demand Responsive Transport (Tiger on Demand)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This tender isn't just about transport
When you look at this tender, it's easy to focus on the vehicles and the logistics.
After all, you're operating a demand responsive transport service across four zones in Cambridgeshire.
But that's not the heart of it.
The real goal is connecting isolated residents to essential services and opportunities.
That's what they're really buying.
The service spans East Cambridgeshire, Fenland, South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. The contractor must provide vehicles, drivers, maintenance and technology for integration.
Think about the people who rely on this service
This isn't just about moving people from A to B.
It's about providing a lifeline to those with limited transport options.
The residents using this service need reliable access to work, education and social activities.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my service will improve their quality of life.
Your bid should demonstrate empathy and understanding of their needs.
Don't underestimate the technology factor
Integration with the back-office system is crucial.
The service relies on users specifying their pick-up and drop-off points via an app or call centre.
I'd want to see clear evidence of how your technology will seamlessly connect with their systems.
This isn't just about having an app.
It's about ensuring the technology is intuitive and reliable for users and the operations team.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is very clear that this service isn't just about cost.
With a value of £6,000,000 and the potential to extend the contract to 2030, quality and reliability are key.
They're looking for a partner who can deliver consistent service Monday to Saturday, from 06:30 to 19:00.
There's no room for downtime or service gaps.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
For this tender, evidence is your strongest ally.
- Demonstrate past success with similar DRT schemes
- Provide case studies that show improved access for isolated communities
- Include testimonials from previous clients
- Share data on service reliability and user satisfaction
Consistency throughout the contract term
It's not just about starting strong.
This contract spans two years, with the option to extend to three.
Maintaining service quality over that period is critical.
I'd be looking for detailed plans on how you manage staff absence, vehicle maintenance and technology updates.
Consistency is often the hardest thing to deliver.
Show how you'll adapt to changing needs
Demand responsive transport is all about flexibility.
As the needs of the communities evolve, so must your service.
Explain how you'll monitor usage patterns and adapt your resources accordingly.
This isn't a static service.
The ability to respond to changing demands will set you apart.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this tender are the people who need these services.
Every bid response should be tested against one question:
Does this make life better for the residents who'll use this service?
If it does, you're on the right track.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on the vehicles without considering users' needs
- Ignore the importance of technology integration
- Assume existing solutions will meet all requirements without adaptation
- Overlook the need for consistent service quality throughout the contract
- Fail to provide concrete evidence of past success
- Neglect to address how you'll handle staff absence and vehicle maintenance
- Underestimate the importance of community engagement and feedback
- Propose solutions that lack flexibility to adapt to changing demands
My final thoughts
This tender is about more than just transport.
It's about connecting communities and improving lives.
With a contract value of £6,000,000 and a focus on quality over price, your written submission carries significant weight.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority isn't just buying a transport service.
They're investing in a partner who can deliver consistent, reliable and adaptable services to those who need it most.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.