West Yorkshire CA Opens Dynamic Market for Franchised Services

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) has opened its ‘dynamic market’ for potential franchised bus services.

The technical procurement process sets out criteria for any bus companies looking to bid to run services throughout the region.

Interior shot of people sitting on a bus

West Yorkshire is now set to become the third area in the country to start the process of signing up operators to run franchised services

A newly-proposed, West Yorkshire-wide franchised network will aim to 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.

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.

The CA has stated it hopes the first contracts will be awarded in Spring/Summer 2026, with a start in 2027.