Scope
Reference
202501010
Description
The Metrolink Tram System is the backbone of the Bee Network and is of strategic importance to the economy of Greater Manchester, providing fast and frequent links across the region for employment, leisure and tourism.
The Metrolink assets comprise a fleet of 147 trams, over 100 kilometers of track and overhead line, 99 stops, 2 depots and growing patronage of over 46 million passenger journeys per annum (March 2025). Metrolink is the largest light rail network in the UK.
Operation and management of the system is currently undertaken via one major contract let by TfGM. The maintenance and operations obligations for Metrolink are included within the Metrolink Operations and Maintenance Agreement (MOMA) with the current contract ending in July 2027.
Selecting the best provider of operation and maintenance services is critical to TfGM's continued success in the coming decade. The value of the operations and maintenance services is expected to be in the order of £1.6 billion (ex vat) over 11 years, with a potential to instruct additional capital works.
This notice is intended to inform potential tenderers that TfGM are now commencing the procurement process to appoint an operation and maintenance provider for 2027 onwards, and provide an initial timeline for the procurement.
The successful supplier, as an experienced operator and maintainer will also support TfGM in their procurement and delivery of Expansion Projects to the Metrolink System including new stops and new trams, new control systems and the development of future extensions. The successful supplier will be responsible for delivering a step change in asset management that maximises the life of the existing assets and maximises the capacity of the services delivered with the existing assets.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,600,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,920,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 25 July 2027 to 24 July 2034
- Possible extension to 24 July 2038
- 11 years
Description of possible extension:
Optional one year extension following initial seven years with two further optional one year extension (or a single three year extension). Final one year emergency extension option.
Further and full detail will be provided within the procurement documentation once the process commences. (Total maximum 11 years)
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Service patterns and Capital works - Further and full detail will be provided within the procurement documentation once the process commences.
Main procurement category
Services
Additional procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45000000 - Construction work
- 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services
- 60112000 - Public road transport services
- 60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services
- 60210000 - Public transport services by railways
- 71314200 - Energy-management services
- 71540000 - Construction management services
- 71631470 - Railway-track inspection services
- 79420000 - Management-related services
- 98351000 - Car park management services
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
7 July 2025
Enquiry deadline
11 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
11 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Via Pro Contract ePortal - Reference number DN772396
https://procontract.due-north.com
Documents will be freely available following issue of the UK2 Market Engagement Notice
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 January 2027
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Documents
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
Free of charge and immediately available via the Pro Contract ePortal at the point of Market engagement and at tender - Reference
DN772396 https://procontract.due-north.com
Contracting authority
Transport for Greater Manchester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNJQ-2746-NWYT
2 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BG
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@tfgm.com
Website: http://www.tfgm.com
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
NORTHSTAR CONSULTANCY LIMITED
Summary of their role in this procurement: Project and procurement support
- Companies House: 06172311
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDJV-5552-NCLP
78 York Street
London
W1H 1DP
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster