Tender

Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots

TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

21 Jul 2025 at 17:07

Planning

04 Jul 2025 at 12:42

Summary of the contracting process

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, is inviting tenders for the provision of bus services under the title "Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots." The procurement process, currently in the tender stage with an expected award period concluding by 11th June 2026, encompasses two key regions: the Bolton, Bury, and Farnworth area, and the Leigh and Atherton area. The procurement method is a Competitive Flexible Procedure, governed by the Procurement Act 2023. This selective procedure allows for tailored negotiation with potential bidders. The deadline for expressions of interest is 26th August 2025, with all enquiries to be submitted by 11th August 2025. A notable detail is that the main industry category is public road transport services, located across the UKD3 region in Greater Manchester.

This contract presents substantial opportunities for growth, especially for businesses specializing in public transport services. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with robust capabilities in bus operation, logistics, and management are particularly well-suited to benefit from this tender due to its selective procurement method, focusing on both price and technical quality. There is an emphasis on technical expertise, with 60% of the award criteria based on quality. Successful bidders will provide vital public transport links, with operations commencing from March 2027, potentially enhancing their portfolios and regional market standing. Moreover, the contract includes the possibility for renewal, offering further long-term opportunities for businesses capable of expanding their service offerings in line with TfGM's strategic vision for integrated public transport.

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Notice Title

Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots

Notice Description

Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots Description: Following the implementation of Bus Franchising across Greater Manchester. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is seeking Operators to provide bus services for these Small Franchises from March 2027, consisting of the following two lots: Lot 1. Bolton, Bury and Farnworth Small Franchise, estimated Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR 28). Lot 2. Leigh and Atherton Small Franchise, estimated (PVR 21).

Lot Information

Bolton, Bury, Farnworth Small Franchise

Following the implementation of Bus Franchising across Greater Manchester. TfGM on behalf of the GMCA is seeking Operators to provide bus services for this Small Franchise. Lot 1. Bolton, Bury and Farnworth Small Franchise starting from March 2027, with an estimated PVR of 28. One service, i.e. Service 521 will start 19th September 2027.

Renewal: TfGM reserve the right to extend this contract in multiple periods of up to 24 months (total).

Leigh and Atherton Small Franchise

Following the implementation of Bus Franchising across Greater Manchester. TfGM on behalf of GMCA is seeking Operators to provide bus services for this Small Franchise. Lot 2. Leigh and Atherton Small Franchise starting from March 2027, with an estimated PVR of 21. One service, i.e., Service 553 will start operation on 19th September 2027.

Renewal: TfGM reserve the right to extend this contract in multiple periods of up to 24 months (total).

Planning Information

Operators will be sent a questionnaire to provide feedback on the request, please ensure all feedback is received by the 11th July 2025. All feedback should be sent via the messaging facility with ProContract. TfGM intends to send the Tender notice w/c 21st July 2025. There will be a supplier Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) process in which a potential bidder must successfully complete and pass in order to get through to final tender submission.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05592c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041797-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60112000 - Public road transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£90,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£90,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
11 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
21 Jul 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Mar 2027 - 18 Aug 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
2030-08-18

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER
Contact Name
Kirk Boulton
Contact Email
procurement@tfgm.com
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 3BG
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
TLD3 Greater Manchester

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Piccadilly
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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