Metrolink Operations and Maintenance

The Metrolink Tram System is the backbone of the Bee 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 kilometers 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 £1.6 billion (ex vat) over 11 years, with a potential to instruct additional capital works.
This notice is intended to inform potential tenderers that TfGM are now commencing the market engagement phase of the process to appoint an operation and maintenance provider for 2027 onwards.
The successful supplier, 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 supplier 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.

Estimated date of publication of contract notice: 2025-07-17T23:59:59+01:00
Contract location: UKD
Engagement process description
TfGM's current Metrolink Operating and Maintenance Agreement (MOMA) is nearing the end of its term, July 2027, as such TfGM are exploring options to procure a contracting partner for the network from July 2027. This involves conducting lessons learned on the current arrangements, highlighting successes and areas for improvement, while addressing the growing demands of Greater Manchester.
This Market Sounding exercise will allow for a better understanding of the marketplace's capabilities in delivering the MOMA 2027 requirements.(Further detail is within the questionnaire)
We anticipate that this market sounding exercise will follow the below sequence:
• This preliminary market engagement notice (PME UK2) issued on 15th May 2025 via the Central Digital Platform and registered on ProContract DN772396.
• This market engagement - Interested parties will need to express interest via ProContract and request the Market Engagement Documentation. https://procontract.due-north.com Project reference DN772396 Please use the messaging function within the project to confirm interest, documentation will be sent via this route. (If not already registered on Pro Contract you will need to register to access the project - registration is free).
• Initially TfGM are holding a market engagement event on Tuesday 10th June in Manchester, (10am - 12noon). Interested parties may apply for a maximum of 3 places per supplier. Capacity is limited and will be restricted to potential bidders only. The event will be recorded and available online shortly afterwards.
• Applications to attend the market engagement event must be received via the messaging function on Pro Contract by 1pm on Friday 23rd of May 2025. TfGM will confirm acceptance via this route and provide further event detail.
• TfGM will, by Wednesday 28 May 2025, confirm the attendance list via ProContract.
• Following an expression of interest through ProContract, TfGM will send, via ProContract, the Market Sounding Document and flyer. These documents contain background information of the opportunity, detailed information on the market engagement event and the market sounding questionnaire.
• Suppliers expressing interest in this opportunity are requested to complete and return the market engagement questionnaire via the messaging function of Pro Contract by 5pm Friday 13th June 2025.
• Suppliers responding to the questionnaire will be invited to an individual 1-hour online discussion with TfGM, to take place before Monday 30th June 2025.

Lot: 1
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: En