News and insights

Report: Unlocking Social Value in the bus sector

Written by Social Value Portal | Mar 2, 2026 11:05:25 AM

Bus contracts can deliver far more than transport. When designed well, they create training opportunities, support local businesses, improve passenger safety, and help protect the environment.

This report, produced by Social Value Portal in collaboration with a working group of operators and authorities, sets out practical, step-by-step guidance on how to embed Social Value into bus contracts, from early planning and tender design through to contract management and reporting.

This guidance represents a genuine step forward for Social Value in our sector. It gives clear, practical support to those commissioning and delivering bus services, helping ensure that Social Value isn’t an add-on, but a core part of how decisions are made.

Marie Steele, Social Value Manager Stagecoach

Who it's for

  • Public sector procurement and contract management teams 

  • Bus operators involved in bidding, delivery, and sustainability

Download the guide now!