Scope
Reference
Bus Franchising - South West Wales
Description
This notice is intended to inform Bus Operators with interest in running future bus services within the South West of Wales, and to offer guidance around Transport for Wales proposed route to market for the procurement of franchised bus services in support of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill.
Transport for Wales are intending to procure services via a Dynamic Market, with the first region covering services from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot with some cross border services to neighbouring authorities. The franchising programme will take a regional approach with initial focus within the South West.
Commercial tool
Establishes a dynamic market
Total value (estimated)
- £400,000,000 excluding VAT
- £400,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 April 2026 to 30 April 2037
- 11 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60112000 - Public road transport services
Contract locations
- UKL1 - West Wales and the Valleys
Engagement
Engagement deadline
3 December 2025
Engagement process description
Transport for Wales will be holding a number of in person events across the South West of Wales.
Our intention is to meet with operators interested in running various sizes of franchised bus services within Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. An event will be held in each of these areas.
The events will be designed to give potential tenderers a better understanding of bus franchising, our route to market via a Dynamic market, the requirements for onboarding, potential route packages for tender at a later stage and our timelines for the process.
It is important to Transport for Wales to engage the market and explain our approach to those wishing to tender, take feedback on our strategy and deliver a network solution for the South West of Wales that works for everyone.
The events will be by invite only so that we ensure we can cater effectively for all interested bidders. If interested, please contact Transport for Wales via supplychain@tfw.wales where we will give you further details on the events and help you to register.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
30 January 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
Transport for Wales
- Companies House: 09476013
3 Llys Cadwyn
Pontypridd
CF37 4TH
United Kingdom
Region: UKL15 - Central Valleys
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales