Extremadura launches €17 million school‑bus contract to secure routes for 2026‑27

The Extremadura regional education department has issued a new open‑tender contract for 356 school‑transport routes covering the 2026‑2027 academic year, allocating more than €17 million. The tender, split into 17 provincial lots (10 for Badajoz and 7 for Cáceres), aims to prevent another start‑of‑term without bus services, a problem that occurred last September.

Tariffs have been raised by 24.76% and a fuel price reference of €1.30 per litre (16.4% above the national benchmark) has been added to cover possible cost increases. Offers will be evaluated on economic price (60 points), vehicle age (30 points) and environmental quality (10 points). The submission deadline is 10 August.

The contract includes detailed cost calculations for each route, taking into account daily kilometres, school days, vehicle capacity, labour, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation. Regional Education Minister Sandra Valencia said the updated pricing and dialogue with operators should allow all services to be awarded before the school year begins.