The West Midlands Franchising Scheme for Buses

In accordance with the UK 13 Dynamic Intention Notice, this opportunity relates to applying for the Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (QUDM) being established as part of the WMCA’s bus franchising programme, under which the West Midlands bus network will transition from a deregulated system into public control. The Invitation to Apply for Membership (the IAM) for the Dynamic Market is available to download.The IAM is made available to all potential suppliers (Applicants) that are interested in tendering for franchised bus services contracts and associated services under the Dynamic Market.

No other method of submission will be accepted. The WMCA shall assess each Application in accordance with the IAM.Under the Dynamic Market, ITTs will be issued in three tranches.

Each tranche may be sub-divided into one or more lots, as set out in the relevant ITT. The indicative tranche ITT issue dates are:• Tranche 1 – 17th August 2026 • Tranche 2 – from March 2027 • Tranche 3 – from October 2027Further information on the tranches, including the indicative scope of contracts in each tranche, is set out in the IAM.

The above dates are indicative and may be subject to change at the WMCA’s absolute discretion.Applicants intending to participate in a particular tranche must submit their Application in line with the timescales set out in the IAM, to enable the WMCA to assess and (if successful) admit them as a Member. For tranche 1, Applications must be submitted by no later than 1200 hrs (BST) on 31 July 2026.

Suppliers that do not apply on or before this date/time will be unable to take part in the procurement process for tranche 1 and suppliers with pending Applications at the point of ITT issue will not receive an ITT for that tranche. Missing a tranche cut-off does not prevent a supplier from applying for membership in respect of subsequent tranches.