School transport operators

Becoming a school transport operator

We provide essential home-to-school transport for around 20,000 students across Lincolnshire each day. We welcome applications from operators of:

  • Buses and coaches
  • Minibuses
  • 7/8-seater vehicles or derived vans (with taxi licensing)
  • Cars (with taxi licensing)
  • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles

Some routes may also require passenger assistants to support specific student needs.

How to get involved

We regularly advertise new contracts on the East Midlands Tender Portal.

To bid for routes:

  1. Register on the Dynamic Purchasing System
    You’ll need to submit relevant documents and await council approval.

    Apply to become an approved operator
     
  2. View Current Opportunities

    Access the East Midlands Tender Portal (search using reference DN595556)

Short-Term Quotes (STQs) may also be offered to registered operators via email.

Information for existing operators

Only operators approved through the DPS can bid for transport contracts.

  • All active tenders are available via the East Midlands Tender Portal (search using reference DN595556).
  • Check your email regularly for any Short-Term Quotes (STQ) sent directly to registered operators.

Drivers and passenger assistants

Badges and licensing

All drivers and passenger assistants must hold a valid LCC-issued badge.

  • A current DBS certificate is required to apply.
  • If your DBS is registered with the online update service, the badge application fee is £12.
  • Lost or damaged badges can be replaced for £5.

Apply for a badge
Apply for a DBS certificate and badge
Request a replacement badge

Code of conduct

  • Always wear your LCC badge.
  • Renew your badge every 3 years (applications open 3 months before expiry).
  • Report all criminal convictions or court proceedings to LCC and your employer.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with passengers.
  • Do not use personal devices while operating.
  • Be courteous, professional, and well-presented.
  • Never drive under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
  • Only transport passengers authorised by LCC.
  • Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited.
  • Ensure child locks are always engaged.

Route suitability

  • Review approved pickup/drop-off (PUDO) points.
  • If an approved stop is unsuitable, notify your manager or email: TSG_Fleet&Compliance@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
  • Only accept route changes from LCC or your operator.

Passenger conduct

View the Code of conduct for school and college transport.

If a passenger misbehaves:

  • stop the vehicle safely or wait until drop-off to speak to a misbehaving passenger
  • stay calm and assertive; ask them to stop the behaviour
  • explain that it must not happen again as it puts everyone at risk

Inform:

  • the school/establishment
  • the passenger’s parents/guardians/carers (where appropriate)
  • your employer and LCC
  • the police in serious cases

Report all incidents and near misses online.

Unauthorised passenger exits

If a passenger leaves the vehicle at an unauthorised stop, or on route in a dangerous location:

  1. Call the police immediately.
  2. Inform LCC, the school, and parents/guardians/carers.
  3. Do not chase the passenger.

Forgotten bus passes

If a student forgets their pass and would otherwise be stranded:

If the route is a fare-paying service, the passenger must pay a fare from day 2 onwards until a replacement pass arrives. Travel on day 1 can be free of charge (FOC).

If the student is not eligible, LCC will inform you. You must then advise the passenger that:

  • they will need to pay a fare, or
  • transport will be refused

If you take a student to school without a valid pass, you must also ensure they are taken home.

Safeguarding and reporting concerns

When to report

  • Any concern or suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • You don’t need to be certain — just concerned.

Safeguarding contacts

  • Children: 01522 782111
  • Adults: 01522 782155
  • Out of hours: 01522 782333

If there’s immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, contact 101.

For the hearing or speech impaired:

  • 01522 558263 / 01522 558140 / 07761 911287

Domestic abuse support

Child sexual exploitation

24-hour confidential support for children and young people.

Invoicing for school transport services

Submitting invoices

  • Submit invoices on the 1st of each month for the previous month’s work.
  • Email: PTU-Invoices@lincolnshire.gov.uk
  • Use the template invoice.
  • Submit one invoice per contract to minimise queries.
  • We aim to provide payment within 28 days for undisputed invoices.

Note: any contracts not arranged by Transport Services, and have been provided with a PO, need sending to invoices@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Invoice queries

If there is a discrepancy: