Route PL3: London Underground Rail Replacement bus service
LONDON BUS SERVICES LIMITEDEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
15 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
Rail Replacement bus service further operation called off original tendering competition. Operation of a London Underground Piccadilly Line replacement bus service to operate under Contract ref PIC/169-PL3 on 01/02 November 2025 at a total cost of £58,180. Subsequent call-offs as follows: PIC/171-PL3 (17/18 January 2026) £58,180 PIC/175-PL3 (09/10 May 2026) £60,520 PIC177-PL3 (28 - 31 May 2026) £130,960 PIC/178-PL3 (06/07 June & 11/12 July 2026) £130,960
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
Transport for London (TfL) is looking for a bus operator to run replacement bus services when the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground is closed for maintenance and upgrades. This is a series of short-term contracts across 2025-2026, with the operator taking over the route to keep passengers moving during rail closures.
Requirements
- Must be able to operate a London Underground replacement bus service
- Must hold appropriate bus operating licenses and permits for London
- Must comply with TfL operational and safety standards
- Must have capacity to mobilise service at short notice (contracts called off from a framework agreement)
- Must meet London emissions standards for buses
- No specific requirements listed in the notice beyond operational capability — check the full tender documents for insurance, staffing, vehicle specifications, and accessibility requirements
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Operate replacement bus service for Piccadilly Line on 01-02 November 2025
- Operate replacement bus service on 17-18 January 2026
- Operate replacement bus service on 09-10 May 2026
- Operate replacement bus service on 28-31 May 2026
- Operate replacement bus service on 06-07 June and 11-12 July 2026
- Provide sufficient buses, drivers, and support to transport passengers normally using the Piccadilly Line during these closure periods
- Manage passenger communications and service reliability during operation
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'call-off' contract from an existing framework — this means TfL already has an approved list of operators, and they're selecting from that list. You may not be able to bid unless you're already on their framework agreement.
- 2The dates and costs shown are separate call-offs (individual contract periods). Each one is a short burst of intensive service (1-4 days), not continuous operation — plan staffing and resources accordingly.
- 3The costs vary significantly (£58k for 2 days in November, but £130k+ for 4-5 days in May/June) — this likely reflects expected passenger volume and complexity on those dates. Higher costs mean busier periods.
- 4Look for the full tender documents which will detail: the exact route(s), number of buses needed, driver and staff requirements, vehicle specifications, performance standards, and how you'll be paid.
- 5Flag that this requires rapid mobilisation — you'll need a plan to get buses, crews, and support infrastructure in place at short notice between booking and operation.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Check whether this is a call-off from an existing TfL framework. If yes, you must already be approved on that framework — if not, you cannot bid. Ring TfL procurement first to confirm eligibility.
- Piccadilly Line replacement work is specialist London bus work — consider whether you have (or can subcontract) experience with TfL standards, London traffic, and high-volume passenger routes. Many small operators partner with larger ones for this type of work.
- These are short, intense contracts. Calculate your true all-in costs carefully: vehicle hire or allocation, fuel, staff overtime, training, insurance, and TfL compliance. The fixed fees don't leave much room for error on a 2-day contract.
Award Details
Stagecoach East London
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Buyer Profile
LONDON BUS SERVICES LIMITEDKey Dates
Published
15 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
award
Source
find a tender
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