Metrolink Operations and Maintenance

The Metrolink Tram System is the backbone of the Bee Network , Greater Manchester's integrated public transport 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 km 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 £1.9 billion over 11 years, with a potential to instruct additional capital works. This notice is intended to inform potential tenderers that TfGM are now formally commencing the procurement process to appoint an operation and maintenance provider for 2027 onwards, and provide a timeline for the procurement.

The procurement will follow a 2 stage process under the competitive flexible procedure with an initial Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) stage from which a maximum of four tenderers will be progressed to the tender stage. Full details are provided within the PSQ, draft contract and draft Invitation to Negotiate (ITN ) which are freely and electronically available via the linked Pro Contract e Portal.

The successful tenderer, 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 tenderer 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.