Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a procurement process to find partners for a new multi-year contract worth up to £1.6 billion. The contract will cover a range of infrastructure work to maintain and expand the Metrolink tram system, as well as to improve rail accessibility across the region.
The contract, which could run for up to 12 years from 2027, will primarily focus on Metrolink’s asset renewals programme. This includes replacing key infrastructure such as track, overhead lines, and the power distribution system. However, the new arrangement could also encompass a wider variety of projects, including new and improved Metrolink stops, line extensions, infrastructure for next-generation vehicles, and accessibility schemes for the wider rail network.
TfGM has begun an initial market engagement phase to gather feedback from potential suppliers. The goal is to find innovative, efficient, and collaborative approaches to delivering the work, which will be central to the success of the Bee Network and the Greater Manchester Strategy.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “This is a significant opportunity for suppliers to help shape how we deliver the next generation of Metrolink and rail accessibility infrastructure across Greater Manchester. We’re looking for innovative, efficient and collaborative approaches that will support our ambitions for a world-class, integrated Bee Network. We encourage all interested parties to engage with us through this process.”
TfGM is particularly interested in suppliers’ views on different delivery models, such as partner arrangements and the feasibility of bundling multiple workstreams into a single contract to improve efficiency and reduce disruption.
The Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) and Planned Procurement Notice (PPN) were published on 28th July 2025. Up to 10 suppliers will be selected for one-to-one workshops to discuss their feedback in more detail.
