The West Midlands Franchising Scheme For Buses
Framework Description
The West Midlands Combined Authority is procuring franchised bus services through a qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (UDM) as the region's buses move from deregulation to public control. Operators apply once for membership and can then bid in three tranches, with franchises starting from Autumn 2027, Summer 2028 and Spring 2029. Transport for West Midlands sets routes and standards, and contracts across the tranches are worth up to £1.56 billion.
Context & Use Case
After public consultation backed public control, WMCA chose franchising to improve reliability, frequency and service hours and to integrate buses with other modes. Contracts are let tranche by tranche under the competitive flexible procedure, and only admitted members receive the invitations to tender. Operators run services from WMCA-provided depots with WMCA-provided fleet, including zero-emission vehicles.
Scope of Services
Tranche 1: franchises from Autumn 2027 Tranche 2: franchises from Summer 2028 Tranche 3: franchises from Spring 2029 Franchised bus services to set timetables and specifications Drivers and operational staff Vehicle and depot maintenance and cleaning Integration with TfWM network, ticketing and data systems
Lots
Three tranches (Tranche 1 Autumn 2027; Tranche 2 Summer 2028; Tranche 3 Spring 2029) rather than lots; single pre-qualification applies across all tranches
Who Can Apply
Suits bus operators of all sizes, from major groups to smaller independents, with UK operating experience and financial standing. The dynamic market stays open to new applications throughout its term. The Tranche 1 cut-off has passed, but operators can still apply for membership ahead of later tranches.
Buyer Benefits
WMCA gains control of routes, fares integration and service standards while keeping competition between operators. A single membership application saves time for both sides, and phased tranches reduce risk during the transition. Because WMCA provides the depots and vehicles, it values operators that can mobilise staff, maintain the fleet and hit performance targets from the first day of each franchise.
Next Steps
Read the Find a Tender notice and the Invitation to Apply for Membership it links to, then register on WMCA's ProActis portal and express interest. Complete the Dynamic Market Questionnaire before the cut-off for the tranche you want to bid in. Prepare evidence of operating licences, financial standing, safety and performance records, and a realistic mobilisation plan for drivers and fleet maintenance.
How Athena Can Help
Franchise bids are long, high-stakes tenders. Athena's UDM membership application support helps you complete the Dynamic Market Questionnaire and checks it for compliance before submission.
For each tranche, our franchise bid management sets the plan, builds win themes, models your score against rival operators and prices the bid to win. Our advice on bus franchising bids helps smaller operators decide which tranches and lots to pursue, and a Bid Health Check before each submission finds weak answers while there is still time to fix them.
