SIX OPERATORS CLEARED TO COMPETE FOR SOUTH YORKSHIRE BUS CONTRACTS

Published 25 June 2026 at 2:30pm

Process to select which bus operators will run bus services in Doncaster and Sheffield from 2027 has progressed to the next stage.

Following a detailed evaluation process, six operators from across the UK and internationally will progress to the next stage of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's, franchised bus services procurement.

Operators are bidding to run one of two contracts; the bus services that run in and out of Olive Grove in Sheffield or Leger Way in Doncaster, forming the first phase of bus franchising in South Yorkshire. 
 
Shortlisted operators will now move to the next stage of the process, submitting detailed proposals on how they will deliver contracts across three key areas: 

• quality of service (50%), which includes network and timetable planning, day-to-day operations, and customer experience; 
• financial proposals (40%); and 
• social value commitments (10%), including local employment opportunities and community impact

Matt Goggins, Director of Bus Franchising commented:

"Progressing to this stage of the procurement process is a significant milestone for us in South Yorkshire. We've seen strong interest from the market, which demonstrates real confidence in what we're building, and I want to express my thanks to those operators who have engaged so far.

“There's a huge amount happening in parallel to this milestone: fleet procurement is on track, all six bus depots are now in public ownership, and electrification work is about to begin, which will ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to charge our brand-new fleet of electric buses.

“In just over a year we'll be responsible for bus services in Doncaster and Sheffield so it's really important we get this right for local people, over the coming months.”

Operators have until autumn 2026 to submit their bids which will be evaluated later this year, with successful operators expected to be announced in early 2027. 
 
In line with procurement best practice, bidder identities are being treated as commercially confidential and will not be disclosed at this stage.