West Yorkshire bus franchising

[YorkRailFan]

Two contracts have been awarded, Leeds (West) has gone to Firstgroup, with the Bramley depot, and Heavy Woollen has gone to Transdev, with the Dewsbury depot (and possibly Huddersfield as well?).

First has won Bramley and Huddersfield. Transdev has won Dewsbury (and possibly Heckmondwike?)

So that means First have Bramley and Huddersfield strategic depots, whilst Dewsbury is Transdev? However, there are smaller packages for Go Ahead to pick up...as an example

Yep, the smaller packages are intended to be easier for SMEs to bid for (not to reignite that debate) but it looks likely that Go Ahead has been successful in picking up at least one of the packages with them submitting a planning application for a depot in the Pudsey area.

 

[Steve440]

First has won Bramley and Huddersfield. Transdev has won Dewsbury (and possibly Heckmondwike?)

Heckmondwike is not mentioned as WYCA are not acquiring the depot. According to another forum the routes are going to be split, possibly between Dewsbury and Huddersfield, both of which have spare capacity I believe.

 

[mattb7tl]

Heckmondwike is not mentioned as WYCA are not acquiring the depot. According to another forum the routes are going to be split, possibly between Dewsbury and Huddersfield, both of which have spare capacity I believe.

Heckmondwike is being acquired. It was all speculation as one depot was missing from the overall total of major depots but no one knew which one. At the time the only logical one the network could live without, was Heckmondwike. The missing depot was Wakefield, as they decided to build an entirely new depot for franchising.

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2599

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

First has won Bramley and Huddersfield. Transdev has won Dewsbury (and possibly Heckmondwike?)

@mattb7tl suggested that WYCA were purchasing Heck on the Transdev thread (and has now responded on here whilst I was typing).

Interesting point as they are only having one "prime" depot per area. It's a large facility, too large for the smaller packages (you'd think?) and actually has a larger allocation than Dewsbury.

Yep, the smaller packages are intended to be easier for SMEs to bid for (not to reignite that debate) but it looks likely that Go Ahead has been successful in picking up at least one of the packages with them submitting a planning application for a depot in the Pudsey area.

Indeed - I was being tongue in cheek but there are other packages so remains to be seen who wins what. Go Ahead's move may be indicative success... we don't know.

The old traditionalist in me would be sad to see the end of the depot at Waterloo - apparently it had it's centenary last year.

 

[Steve440]

Heckmondwike is being acquired. It was all speculation as one depot was missing from the overall total of major depots but no one knew which one. At the time the only logical one the network could live without, was Heckmondwike. The missing depot was Wakefield, as they decided to build an entirely new depot for franchising.

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2599

Sorry I missed that. I just didn't see Heckmondwike mentioned in the original plans.

 

[YorkRailFan]

The old traditionalist in me would be sad to see the end of the depot at Waterloo - apparently it had it's centenary last year.

Depends what happens with the smaller packages I guess. If Transdev wins one near Huddersfield, they could continue to use Waterloo. If someone else won near Huddersfield, they could always submit a bid to buy Waterloo off Transdev.

There will be similar situations with Calderdale (Transdev's Elland and First's Halifax depots) and Bradford (First's Bradford and Transdev's Idle depots) to name a few.

Interesting point as they are only having one "prime" depot per area. It's a large facility, too large for the smaller packages (you'd think?) and actually has a larger allocation than Dewsbury.

Clearly a lot of shuffling of routes will occur between Dewsbury and Heckmondwike. I wonder what WYCA will do with it then...

 

[Andyh82]

@mattb7tl suggested that WYCA were purchasing Heck on the Transdev thread (and has now responded on here whilst I was typing).

Interesting point as they are only having one "prime" depot per area. It's a large facility, too large for the smaller packages (you'd think?) and actually has a larger allocation than Dewsbury.


Indeed - I was being tongue in cheek but there are other packages so remains to be seen who wins what. Go Ahead's move may be indicative success... we don't know.

The press release suggests they haven’t decided who’s won the small contracts yet

“Intention to award notifications are expected to be sent to operators for smaller contracts and school service contracts for round one of bus franchising in the coming weeks”

Of course a planning application doesn’t have to be proceeded with. If they don’t win anything at all they can just abandon it.

Even though we’ve had a more formal announcement today it still doesn’t say anything more than the more rushed announcement that was made two weeks ago. There is never any mention of Heckmondwike though, both the quotes from Metro and Transdev only talk about Dewsbury

 

[Leedsbusman]

Heckmondwike is being acquired. It was all speculation as one depot was missing from the overall total of major depots but no one knew which one. At the time the only logical one the network could live without, was Heckmondwike. The missing depot was Wakefield, as they decided to build an entirely new depot for franchising.

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2599

But not for Tranche 1.
From:

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s45172/Item%207%20-%20Appendix%202%20-%20Statement%20of%20Reasons.pdf

Round 1 (Tranche 1) – Anticipated service commencement date is 15th May2027.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently covering Dewsbury
depot (for the area known as the Kirklees (Dewsbury zone)), Huddersfield depot (for the area known as the Kirklees (Huddersfield) zone) and Bramley (for the area known as the Leeds 1 zone).

Round 2 (Tranche 2) – Anticipate Service Commencement Date is 30th January2028.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently operating from:

Castleford (for the area known as Five Town Zones which comprises the districts inCastleford, Featherstone, Knottingley, Normanton, and Pontefract), Hunslet (for the
area known as Leeds 2 zone), Wakefield (for the area known as Wakefield zone)

2.9.4 Round 3 (Tranche 3) – Anticipate Service Commencement Date is 29th October

2028.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently operating from: the

Bradford Depot (for the area known as the Bradford zone) , Halifax Elmwood Depot

(for the area known as the Calderdale zone), the Keighley Depot (for the area known

as the Keighley zone)

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s45172/Item%207%20-%20Appendix%202%20-%20Statement%20of%20Reasons.pdf

 

[Andyh82]

I think that’s the first document that I’ve seen that gives the launch date of tranche 1 as 15th May 2027

 

[Simon75]

Are there may services jointly run by 2 depots?

 

[Ballyheigue]

But not for Tranche 1.
From:

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s45172/Item%207%20-%20Appendix%202%20-%20Statement%20of%20Reasons.pdf

Round 1 (Tranche 1) – Anticipated service commencement date is 15th May2027.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently covering Dewsbury
depot (for the area known as the Kirklees (Dewsbury zone)), Huddersfield depot (for the area known as the Kirklees (Huddersfield) zone) and Bramley (for the area known as the Leeds 1 zone).

Round 2 (Tranche 2) – Anticipate Service Commencement Date is 30th January2028.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently operating from:

Castleford (for the area known as Five Town Zones which comprises the districts inCastleford, Featherstone, Knottingley, Normanton, and Pontefract), Hunslet (for the
area known as Leeds 2 zone), Wakefield (for the area known as Wakefield zone)

2.9.4 Round 3 (Tranche 3) – Anticipate Service Commencement Date is 29th October

2028.

The procurement programme relates to bus services currently operating from: the

Bradford Depot (for the area known as the Bradford zone) , Halifax Elmwood Depot

(for the area known as the Calderdale zone), the Keighley Depot (for the area known

as the Keighley zone)

https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s45172/Item%207%20-%20Appendix%202%20-%20Statement%20of%20Reasons.pdf

Does the left hand idiot know what the right hand idiot is doing with Heckmondwike depot? How in the hells name can they miss an entire towns depot off the list? It's no wonder the rumour spread about that the depot was closing when those in charge don't have a plan for it on paper, or rather totally miss it off all official documents without even noticing!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Depends what happens with the smaller packages I guess. If Transdev wins one near Huddersfield, they could continue to use Waterloo. If someone else won near Huddersfield, they could always submit a bid to buy Waterloo off Transdev.

If Transdev do win a smaller package in that area, that would doubtless be their solution. If it's someone else... well, that looks like a nice development spot and there's probably less expensive sites to run

There will be similar situations with Calderdale (Transdev's Elland and First's Halifax depots) and Bradford (First's Bradford and Transdev's Idle depots) to name a few.

Similar but the Elland and Idle sites don't have the history that Waterloo has.

“Intention to award notifications are expected to be sent to operators for smaller contracts and school service contracts for round one of bus franchising in the coming weeks”

Of course a planning application doesn’t have to be proceeded with. If they don’t win anything at all they can just abandon it.

Indeed though given Go Ahead's moves, they must have some confidence.

 

[Leedsbusman]

Does the left hand idiot know what the right hand idiot is doing with Heckmondwike depot? How in the hells name can they miss an entire towns depot off the list? It's no wonder the rumour spread about that the depot was closing when those in charge don't have a plan for it on paper, or rather totally miss it off all official documents without even noticing!

They probably know more than anyone on here does as people are just speculating based on partial information. I’m sure you will find out what is happening with Heckmondwike depot in time!

 

[Steve440]

They probably know more than anyone on here does as people are just speculating based on partial information. I’m sure you will find out what is happening with Heckmondwike depot in time!

My feeling is, and this is purely conjecture, that Heckmondwike will stay open and be run as a sub-depot of Dewsbury under the Transdev franchise. Neither Dewsbury nor Heckmondwike seem to have space for the required vehicles.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

They probably know more than anyone on here does as people are just speculating based on partial information. I’m sure you will find out what is happening with Heckmondwike depot in time!

Yeah... wish I'd never asked the question (but I was thinking I'd missed something... which I had https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2599 ).

I'm sure that and the smaller awards will all become clear

 

[Steve440]

Not seen this before either https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2604

Purpose:​

To approve the launching of a procurement and then the award of a contract for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service from 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2032.

Decision:​

Approval to proceed with the procurement and award contracts for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service. This service will run from April 2027 to March 2032 and will provide essential transport services for those unable to use standard public transport across West Yorkshire to.

Alternative options considered:​

Option 1: No Action This option is not considered viable as it would result in the cessation of the AccessBus service from April 2027, leaving a significant gap in transport provision for elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers across West Yorkshire.

Option 2: Further Contract Extension This option is not recommended. The existing contracts have already been extended beyond their original term and a further extension would limit market testing, reduce assurance of value for money and delay the benefits of a competitive procurement exercise.

 

[Ballyheigue]

Not seen this before either https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2604

Purpose:​

To approve the launching of a procurement and then the award of a contract for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service from 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2032.

Decision:​

Approval to proceed with the procurement and award contracts for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service. This service will run from April 2027 to March 2032 and will provide essential transport services for those unable to use standard public transport across West Yorkshire to.

Alternative options considered:​

Option 1: No Action This option is not considered viable as it would result in the cessation of the AccessBus service from April 2027, leaving a significant gap in transport provision for elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers across West Yorkshire.

Option 2: Further Contract Extension This option is not recommended. The existing contracts have already been extended beyond their original term and a further extension would limit market testing, reduce assurance of value for money and delay the benefits of a competitive procurement exercise.

Well that's TLC sunk if they don't award them Accessbus work, as I very much doubt they'll get one of the smaller Bradford/Calderdale franchises.

 

[Andyh82]

Not seen this before either https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2604

Purpose:​

To approve the launching of a procurement and then the award of a contract for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service from 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2032.

Decision:​

Approval to proceed with the procurement and award contracts for each of the five districts of West Yorkshire for operators to carry out the AccessBus service. This service will run from April 2027 to March 2032 and will provide essential transport services for those unable to use standard public transport across West Yorkshire to.

Alternative options considered:​

Option 1: No Action This option is not considered viable as it would result in the cessation of the AccessBus service from April 2027, leaving a significant gap in transport provision for elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers across West Yorkshire.

Option 2: Further Contract Extension This option is not recommended. The existing contracts have already been extended beyond their original term and a further extension would limit market testing, reduce assurance of value for money and delay the benefits of a competitive procurement exercise.

This isn’t really anything to do with franchising, it’s just retendering the contracts for the AccessBus in the normal way

At the moment all 5 contracts are run by TLC Travel

 

[citybus2500]

My feeling is, and this is purely conjecture, that Heckmondwike will stay open and be run as a sub-depot of Dewsbury under the Transdev franchise. Neither Dewsbury nor Heckmondwike seem to have space for the required vehicles.

As part of the Kirklees Lot A tranche, some routes are moved from Heckmondwike to Dewsbury. Other routes are removed from Dewsbury, and along with the other routes from Heckmondwike are part of Lot B and Lot C tenders.

So Heckmondwike may or may not have a future, depending on who wins the Lot B and Lot C tenders, but it will have nothing to do with Lot A contracts.

 

[geoffk]

Well that's TLC sunk if they don't award them Accessbus work, as I very much doubt they'll get one of the smaller Bradford/Calderdale franchises.

I see that TLC still run the local routes in my former home area, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Are these going to be packaged with other services or let as a small franchise?

 

[YorkRailFan]

As part of the Kirklees Lot A tranche, some routes are moved from Heckmondwike to Dewsbury. Other routes are removed from Dewsbury, and along with the other routes from Heckmondwike are part of Lot B and Lot C tenders.

So Heckmondwike may or may not have a future, depending on who wins the Lot B and Lot C tenders, but it will have nothing to do with Lot A contracts.

Forgive my ignorance, but why is WYCA purchasing Heckmondwike depot then? The B & C Lot tenders won't be operated from a WYCA-owned depot, only A Lot tenders will be operated from WYCA-owned depots.

 

[Mollman]

As part of the Kirklees Lot A tranche, some routes are moved from Heckmondwike to Dewsbury. Other routes are removed from Dewsbury, and along with the other routes from Heckmondwike are part of Lot B and Lot C tenders.

So Heckmondwike may or may not have a future, depending on who wins the Lot B and Lot C tenders, but it will have nothing to do with Lot A contracts.

Are you able to share a list of the services involved?

 

[citybus2500]

Forgive my ignorance, but why is WYCA purchasing Heckmondwike depot then? The B & C Lot tenders won't be operated from a WYCA-owned depot, only A Lot tenders will be operated from WYCA-owned depots.

Exactly, all very odd!

 

[Deerfold]

Announcements for the first set of smaller operators have been made.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority confirms intent to award further bus contracts

Announcement follows signing of large contracts with operators last week

www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Includes at least one actual smaller operator.

We can confirm that we intend to award smaller contracts for Weaver Network services to:

Dewsbury area: Three contracts between The Yorkshire Traction Company and The Go-Ahead Group
Huddersfield area: Four contracts between Transdev Blazefield, Tower Transit Operations and E Stott and Sons
Leeds area: Two contracts between Tower Transit Operation and The Go-Ahead Group

We can confirm that we intend to award school service contracts to:

Dewsbury area: Three contracts to The Go-Ahead Group
Huddersfield area: One contract to E Stott and Sons
Leeds area: Six contracts between Hunters Coaches, The Go-Ahead Group and Tetley’s Motor Services.

 

[citybus2500]

Announcements for the first set of smaller operators have been made.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority confirms intent to award further bus contracts

Announcement follows signing of large contracts with operators last week

www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Includes at least one actual smaller operator.

Nice to see Stotts winning work, one of the few West Yorkshire SMEs I would be sad to see go.

For Transdev Waterloo depot looks like it will survive then. Idle depot not so much.

 

[Andyh82]

Nice to see Stotts winning work, one of the few West Yorkshire SMEs I would be sad to see go.

For Transdev Waterloo depot looks like it will survive then. Idle depot not so much.

Idle is nothing to do with this tranche as it’s in the Bradford tranche 3 batch

It would be slightly amusing if Tower Transit win nothing else and then up having an operation of what could be just 10-20 buses nowhere near anything else they run, which I suppose is always a risk.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Yorkshire Traction Company is Stagecoach isn’t it? Odd how they’ve announced the parent group for the other contracts but not that one.

 

[Kaliwax]

Go Ahead: Dewsbury Small, Cleckheaton and Leeds Pudsey
Stagecoach: Kirkless North
Transdev: Huddersfield Small and Hebden Bridge
Holmfirth: Tower Transit and Hebden Bridge
Stotts: Slaithwaite
Tower Transits: Holmfirth and Leeds Bradford Airport

Looking on the find a tender website, this list appears to be who's won what

www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084929-2026

 

[cnjb8]

Interesting that Route One are reporting that five of the home-to-school contracts were not awarded

Two SMEs in WYCA bus franchise contract winners as five unawarded - routeone

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced planned winners of Tier B and Tier C bus franchise contracts in its first round of awards.

www.route-one.net

however, the franchising authority says that five home-to-school contracts have not been awarded “as none of the bids were deemed acceptable.” An explanation and feedback is to be provided to “affected suppliers,” and a re-procurement exercise will follow.

 

[citybus2500]

Idle is nothing to do with this tranche as it’s in the Bradford tranche 3 batch

It would be slightly amusing if Tower Transit win nothing else and then up having an operation of what could be just 10-20 buses nowhere near anything else they run, which I suppose is always a risk.

Tower Transit have won the Airport services. With their 2 wins, it's either going to be two OCs, or alot of dead mileage!