Ministry of Education Launches Open Tender for School Bus Operators

The Ministry of Education, in consultation with the Contractor General, has introduced an open tendering process for the selection of school bus operators.  Qualified operators are being invited to apply to provide services from August 2026 through June 2028. Successful contractors will be expected to transport students safely and reliably between their communities and designated educational institutions.  According to the ministry’s Communication Officer Kevin Chen, the idea is to improve the transportation for children via efficiency, safety and reliablitly.

The application process includes a standardized application form, a checklist of supporting documents and structured evaluation criteria. Applicants must submit proof of ownership of the bus or a valid rental or lease agreement, along with police records and medical examination forms for the assigned driver and conductor.  Other requirements include a Transport Department inspection certificate and the necessary SmartStream vendor information. Operators must also show that their buses are licensed and insured and indicate whether backup transportation is available in the event of a mechanical failure.  The application form further requires drivers and conductors to consent to random drug and alcohol testing upon request by the Police Department or Department of Transport. Buses must also be made available for inspection by the relevant authorities.  The official school bus routes are available on the Ministry’s website.