Student transport across secondary education and FE colleges has changed more in the past 5 years than in the previous two decades. From procurement compliance to the daily experience for students (and parents), expectations have changed, and so too have the possibilities. The increase in AI-powered tools has also reshaped how tenders are designed, evaluated and monitored; bringing new levels of precision and transparency to the process. Predictive analytics and automated bid assessments are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.
As schools and colleges plan for new contract cycles, one big question looms: is your framework ready to deliver safety, efficiency and value in 2025 and beyond?
Until quite recently, most student transport contracts were built around a traditional model that prioritised familiarity over flexibility. Schools and colleges tended to rely on the same handful of established operators, accepted limited choice, followed processes and procedures that hadn’t evolved in decades (while accepting that slow change was simply part of the deal).
Back then, most tenders followed a predictable, operator-led formula:
These frameworks did do their job, but left little room for further adaptation or improvement.
Fast forward to now and the landscape has changed beyond measure:
This evolution is about more than just better buses, it’s about better outcomes: for learners, families and schools/colleges alike.
Five important questions that every financial leader should be asking before starting a new tender:
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, or ‘not sure’, then perhaps it’s time for a rethink.
With so much change happening in how education transport is delivered (and what good looks like), it’s more important than ever to approach procurement strategically. The right planning can help you secure better pricing, but also ensures that your transport service is fit for purpose: safe, efficient and responsive to student needs.
A key benefit of partnering with a dedicated transport management provider is the built-in ability to replace underperforming operators quickly and seamlessly. If a supplier isn’t meeting agreed KPIs (whether on punctuality, safeguarding, or customer satisfaction), you have the confidence that another vetted operator can be brought in to maintain service continuity.
Drawing on lessons learned from successful bids, where clear communication, detailed service delivery and proactive SEND planning seized the day, here are our best practices on how to prepare:
The bottom line? As the landscape evolves, one thing is abundantly clear: standing still is no longer an option. Schools and colleges face growing expectations from students, families and regulators and transport providers have got to keep pace. The next iteration of student transportation isn't about moving people from A to B, but about delivering a reliable, responsive service that reflects the realities of education in the 21st century:
Whether you are re-tendering, or reviewing current arrangements, now is the time to make sure your framework is fit for the future, not left stuck in the past.
Want to explore how a fully managed, carbon neutral and technology based approach could work for your college or school? Get in touch with the Zeelo team today for a conversation about what’s possible.