West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has launched early market engagement for a planned £2.5bn mass transit system serving the region’s five biggest towns and cities.
The proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network will connect Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Halifax.
Phase one of the scheme will focus on Leeds and Bradford, which the authority described as the region’s most densely populated and commercially active centres.
The programme, which could include modern high-capacity buses, trams or tram-train systems, is currently at strategic outline case stage.
A virtual preliminary market engagement (PME) event will be held on 15 July to introduce the plans to potential suppliers and gather insights to shape WYCA’s commercial and procurement strategy.
The notice states that the first phase of the programme is expected to run from 1 January 2029 to 1 January 2033.
Although no specific contract packages have yet been detailed, the authority has set a total estimated value of £2.5bn excluding VAT (£3bn including VAT) for this phase.
This figure is subject to change as planning progresses.
WYCA has indicated that while this stage of PME is open to all suppliers, it may be less suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or voluntary and community sector organisations, which could engage more appropriately at a later stage.
Interested firms must register via the YORtender portal by 8 July to access event details and receive a recording if unable to attend.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender