Public Transport (Bus and Tram) Shelter Improvement Programme – Full Design and Build Further Market Engagement

South Yorkshire is at a transformative point in public transport, with buses joining trams under public control in 2027. This creates a unique opportunity to reshape the passenger experience and establish a system that sets new standards for design, accessibility, and civic pride.

SYMCA are seeking an exceptional architecturally designed shelter to help create a world-class family of transport infrastructure that becomes synonymous with South Yorkshire across bus and tram. To achieve this vision, SYMCA are looking to engage in a single Design & Build procurement approach.

Welcoming bids from joint ventures and consortiums to encourage submissions for a distinct, human-centred, durable design. This will be a staged award for concept design initially, followed by progression to detailed design and a final works/build stage.

SYMCA have also recently published the South Yorkshire Peoples Network (SYPN), showcasing some of the branding updates to transport in South Yorkshire. This scheme directly links to “Make Buses work for Everyone”, SYMCA are looking to introduce a hierarchy of transport asset design for both bus and tram: Higher: Higher-level architectural design of a Shelter, encompassing beauty and creativity while maintaining a distinct South Yorkshire heritage.

Standard: Standard shelter design for the Bus and Tram Shelters across South Yorkshire. Modular, maintainable and functional while still coordinating in a South Yorkshire design vision.

Stop/Pole: A re-think at what a simple bus stop should deliver, from the core service identification to updated passenger information. SYMCA are seeking to enter a Design & Build contract by March 2027, allowing the appointed bidder(/s) to start Concept Design work.

SYMCA are targeting getting shelters in the ground by January 2028, with an organised prioritisation plan for the roll-out of these shelters. The tender is expected to be published late October 2026.

Please note, an initial market engagement was published on 23rd July 2026 (2026/S 000-069955) for the expected concept design requirements only. Following further consideration of responses, the scope has evolved into a full design and build award, the Authority are now seeking further feedback and information on this changed approach.