A virtual market engagement event will be held on 15 July to brief major suppliers on the first phase of the programme and gather early input on shaping commercial and procurement strategies.

The ambitious scheme aims to deliver a high-capacity public transport network using buses, trams or tram-train-style vehicles.

Phase one will focus on the Leeds and Bradford corridor – the region’s most densely populated and commercially active areas.

The engagement comes as the combined authority develops its strategic outline case, a key step in securing backing from the Department for Transport and Treasury.

Main construction procurement is not expected to start until 2028, with contract awards slated for early 2029. The initial deal is expected to run for four years.

The authority is targeting experienced infrastructure suppliers for early insight and said that SMEs would be better suited to later stages of engagement.

Responses to pre-event questionnaire must be submitted via the YORtender portal by 8 July.