Contract award · 16 Jun 2026

S30112 Development of national guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places

National Highways awarded “Development of national guidance on the safety and accessibility of…” to Ove Arup & Partners Ltd - SPaTS for £179k.

Research & developmentWest Midlands

Value £179k

Competition with a shortlist

Competitive procedure with a selection stage: suppliers were shortlisted before being invited to bid.

Key facts

Buyer
National Highways · Body governed by public law
Value
£178,643.90
Procedure
Call-off from a framework agreement
Sector
Research & development · Development consultancy services (CPV 73220000)
Timeline
  1. Contract date16 Jun 2026
  2. Published16 Jun 2026Published the same day

Description

The Department for Transport is seeking a supplier to develop new national guidance to improve the safety and accessibility of bus stops and stations across England, addressing gaps that currently prevent many people, particularly disabled passengers, women, and other vulnerable groups, from using services confidently. Although buses remain the most widely used form of public transport, inconsistency in stop infrastructure, poor accessibility, and safety concerns (such as inadequate lighting and poor condition) continue to limit usage and public confidence. Building on new powers under the Bus Services Act 2025, the guidance will set clear standards for how stopping places are designed, built and maintained, helping create a more consistent, inclusive, and user-friendly network nationwide. The work will require extensive engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities, transport operators, and people with lived experience, to ensure the guidance is practical, evidence-based,…

About the supplier

More from National Highways

All contracts

More won by Ove Arup & Partners Ltd - SPaTS

All contracts

Recent research & development contracts

Sector overview