Dedicated Learner Transport Services Panel NEW

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is inviting service providers to form a panel for the provision of dedicated learner transport services over a five-year period. The service is 100% subsidised, with no passenger fares payable. Successful panel members will operate routes allocated by the Department at quotation stage, using a market-related benchmark rate to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of operations. Most routes are on gravel roads in rural areas, and there is no direct competing mode of subsidised dedicated learner transport in the identified areas. Bidders select one primary preferred district and two additional preferred districts from the eleven districts covered: Amajuba, eThekwini, Harry Gwala, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, Ugu, uMgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, uThukela and Zululand.

Operators must comply with the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), the National Land Transport Act (Act 5 of 2009) and applicable SABS specifications. Buses may not be older than 10 years, and minibus and midibus vehicles may not be older than six years. Every vehicle must display identification indicating that learners are being transported, and the Department may apply its own standard branding to contracted vehicles. Each vehicle must be fitted with a functional tracking device with access to reports, a first aid kit, and two-way communication equipment (cell phones are accepted) to link with a base station. The tracking system must provide information on the contract's Key Performance Indicators. Operators must also provide substitute vehicles in the event of breakdowns, and drivers must hold a valid PrDP and wear safety belts. Bidders must provide evidence of vehicle availability through a lease agreement, bank confirmation letter or ownership documents before allocation. Police clearance certificates must be submitted quarterly, and proof of insurance covering property damage and injury or death must be provided before services begin and monthly thereafter.

Bidders must submit a detailed contract management plan before operations start. The plan must cover KPI delivery, reporting and management information systems, customer complaint handling, a stakeholder participation strategy involving teachers, school governing bodies, amakhosi, parents and transport committees, passenger satisfaction measurement, and the list of vehicles to be used. Operators must use only bus, minibus and midibus stops and terminals authorised by the municipality or school, and they are responsible for their own depot, parking and overnight facilities. Vehicles contracted for learner transport may not be used for other services. A vehicle found to be unroadworthy will trigger a 24-hour notice of termination if the problem is not resolved. The bid must include a five-year grand costing total, stated in both figures and words, broken down into fixed costs and variable costs for surfaced and gravel roads. Offers must remain valid for 120 days from the closing date. The tender closes on 24 November 2026. Full documents are available from the KZN Department of Transport website and eTenders portal. Because the source text is partly garbled, bidders should verify all requirements against the complete Invitation to Bid before submitting.