A bus operator selection process for companies seeking to run services in Doncaster and Sheffield has progressed to the next stage, as the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has announced the completion of a detailed evaluation process.
Six operators from across the UK and internationally will now progress to the next stage of the SYMCA’s franchised bus services procurement, with all parties set to bid for the running of one of two contracts; the bus services that run in and out of Olive Grove in Sheffield or Leger Way in Doncaster, officially forming the first phase of bus franchising in South Yorkshire.
Shortlisted operators will now move to the next stage of the process, which will involve the submission of detailed proposals on how they will deliver contracts across a set of three key areas:
- Quality of service (50%), which includes network and timetable planning, day-to-day operations, and customer experience
- Financial proposals (40%)
- Social value commitments (10%), including local employment opportunities and community impact
Matt Goggins, Director of Bus Franchising, said:Progressing to this stage of the procurement process is a significant milestone for us in South Yorkshire. We've seen strong interest from the market, which demonstrates real confidence in what we're building, and I want to express my thanks to those operators who have engaged so far.
There's a huge amount happening in parallel to this milestone: fleet procurement is on track, all six bus depots are now in public ownership, and electrification work is about to begin, which will ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to charge our brand-new fleet of electric buses.
In just over a year we'll be responsible for bus services in Doncaster and Sheffield so it's really important we get this right for local people, over the coming months.
Operators will be given until autumn 2026 to submit their bids, all of which will be evaluated later this year with an announcement of those successful expected in early 2027.
