--- title: "Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05592c" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05592c" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05592c.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05592c.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER" published: "2025-07-21" --- # Bus Franchising - North West Greater Manchester Small Franchises - 2 Lots Buyer: TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05592c [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05592c) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05592c.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041797-2025 | | 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 | | All stages | Planning, Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 21 Jul 2025 | | Submission deadline | 11 Aug 2025 | | Future notice date | 21 Jul 2025 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 7 Mar 2027 - 18 Aug 2030 | | Recurrence | 2030-08-18 | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £90,000,000 | | Lots value | £90,000,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER | | Locality | MANCHESTER | | Post town | Manchester | | Postcode | M1 3BG | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLD3 Greater Manchester | | ITL 3 | TLD33 Manchester | | Local authority | Manchester | | Electoral ward | Piccadilly | | Westminster constituency | Manchester Central | | Delivery location | TLD3 Greater Manchester | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport) ### Codes - 60112000 - Public road transport services ## Release History - 21 Jul 2025 at 17:07 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041797-2025 - 4 Jul 2025 at 12:42 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037445-2025 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041797-2025 21st July 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037445-2025 4th July 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://procontract.due-north.com/ All tender documents can be found at DN780667 ## Notice URLs - https://procontract.due-north.com/Register - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05592c. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05592c.json.