Taxi drivers and bus companies are being encouraged to sign-up to a new framework to bid for East Lothian Council transport contracts.
The local authority's fleet services framework 2026-2032 will go live in April and mini competitions for Additional Support Needs (ASN) routes will be published in May and June. Only approved providers on the framework can bid for work.
Range of contracts
East Lothian Council is a major purchaser of transport services in the county for home to school, adult services and ASN transport. It offers contracts for a range of vehicle sizes and from single routes to multiple journeys. Most journeys take place within the county.
Shortage of licensed taxi operators
A shortage of licensed taxi operators in East Lothian has been highlighted on the council’s Infrastructure service risk register due to the impacts on cost and availability. Provision has fallen by 45% since 2019 with some council contracts going unfilled.
To address this issue, eligibility for the framework has been widened to include taxi drivers who hold a valid taxi licence from another local authority and who meet East Lothian’s vehicle requirements. This extension applies to contracted work awarded through the framework only. Operators will also be able to apply to join the framework at any time during its eight-year term and take part in mini-competitions for work, but are being encouraged to register now to benefit from contract opportunities that will be available from May and June. Sign-up is through the online portal Public Contracts Scotland.
Free online sessions
To help navigate the process, two free online sessions have been arranged on 16 and 23 April hosted by Supplier Development Programme. These events will talk people through the steps to register on the procurement platform, license and insurance requirements and vehicle requirements. Recordings of the sessions will be posted to the council’s website afterwards and in-person support from the authority’s teams will be available for anyone who needs additional support.
New contracts this summer
East Lothian Council’s Head of Infrastructure Tom Reid said: “We’re one of the largest buyers of transport in East Lothian and new contract opportunities will be available this summer. We want to increase the number of people on our framework, including companies and individual licensed drivers, to meet our demand for services. Our contracts offer stable work from individual journeys to larger contracts with multiple routes.
“Our online events will help people to find out more about our insurance and PVG requirements, as well as how to apply for our framework and our team is also available to help.”
Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/transport-contracts