Cambridgeshire launches procurement process for £150m guided busway scheme

Cambridgeshire County Council has launched the procurement process for a major £150m guided busway project linking Cambourne and Cambridge, marking a significant step forward for one of the region’s largest planned transport infrastructure schemes.

image: Cambridgeshire County Council

The proposed development is intended to improve public transport connectivity between growing communities to the west of Cambridge and the city centre, while also supporting wider housing and economic growth objectives across Greater Cambridge. The scheme is expected to include guided busway infrastructure, active travel routes, bridges, drainage works and associated highway improvements.

Construction firms have now been invited to bid for the contract, with works expected to continue through to 2031 under a multi-stage procurement model designed to bring contractors into the project development process at an earlier stage. According to procurement details published by the council, the approach is intended to support design validation, construction planning and cost management before the main delivery phase begins.

The project forms part of wider efforts by local authorities to address increasing transport demand linked to population growth, housing development and employment expansion in and around Cambridge. Supporters of the scheme argue improved public transport infrastructure will be necessary to reduce congestion and improve access to key employment and research centres.

The guided busway proposal also reflects a broader national trend towards investment in lower-emission public transport and integrated mobility networks as local authorities seek alternatives to private car use. Across the UK, local and regional transport bodies are increasingly prioritising bus rapid transit, active travel infrastructure and multi-modal transport corridors within long-term growth strategies.

Cambridgeshire already operates one of the UK’s most extensive guided busway systems, connecting Cambridge with communities including St Ives, Huntingdon and Trumpington. The network has undergone a series of safety and operational improvement programmes in recent years, including the installation of new fencing, revised speed restrictions and infrastructure upgrades.

The wider busway network has also faced increased scrutiny following a series of safety incidents and subsequent improvement measures introduced by the county council in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive. Current works across the existing network include fencing installation, crossing point upgrades and flood mitigation measures.

Environmental considerations are also expected to remain a significant part of the planning and delivery process for the Cambourne to Cambridge scheme. Previous discussions surrounding the route have included concerns over ecological impact, land use and habitat protection, alongside debates over alternative transport options for the corridor.

The procurement process for the project is being undertaken under the UK Procurement Act 2023 framework, with contractors expected to submit initial participation requests later this summer. According to published timelines, construction activity could begin in 2027 subject to approvals and contract award.