West Midlands Franchised Bus Services - Dynamic Market Membership

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is establishing a Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market to procure small franchised bus services across the West Midlands region. This opportunity allows qualified suppliers—including SMEs, community enterprises, and larger operators—to apply for membership in a dynamic market that will issue contracts worth up to £198,000,000 over three tranches through 2028 and beyond. As a member, you will be eligible to bid on competitively procured contracts for operating public service bus routes under the WMCA's franchising scheme. Services include route operation, driver and staff provision, vehicle maintenance, depot operations, and network integration. Contracts are awarded using the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with tender opportunities issued exclusively to approved members. To participate, you must register on the WMCA's Proactis portal and submit a Dynamic Market Questionnaire by the application deadline for your chosen tranche. For Tranche 1 (ITT issue October 5, 2026), applications close September 18, 2026. Subsequent tranches follow in January 2027 and February 2028. The dynamic market will operate for an initial 13-year period with potential extension. Eligible applicants should review the Invitation to Apply for Membership (IAM) for full membership conditions, contract scope details, and submission requirements.