West Yorkshire opens dynamic market for franchised bus services

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) started a technical procurement process this week by opening its “dynamic market” for potential operators. This sets out strict criteria for any bus companies wanting to bid to run services in the region, to raise standards and ensure value for money.

A new West Yorkshire-wide, franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the CA, with bus operators accepted and registered onto the dynamic market invited to bid for contracts to run services.

The work will ensure West Yorkshire becomes only the third area in the country, after Manchester and Liverpool city regions, to start the process of signing up operators to run franchised services.  

Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We are eager to see franchised services running as soon as possible, and the new dynamic market ensures we are on the road to better buses.

“This is our opportunity to challenge operators to show us what they can offer as part of a new system where the passenger comes first.   

“I invite operators large and small to get in touch and get involved, and help us to create a better-connected West Yorkshire.”

It is hoped the first contracts can be awarded in Spring/Summer 2026, to start in 2027.

Notes to editors:

A dynamic market is a procurement tool, which is an open list of pre-approved suppliers.