“The main European operators are interested in … – iOnline

The Secretary of State for Transport, Sergio Monteiro, said today that “the main European operators are interested” in sub Carris and the Lisbon Metro, whose international public tender was launched on Monday.

“The main European operators are indeed interested in the contest in Lisbon, but this initial interest does not mean that after there are concrete proposals,” said Sergio Monteiro, a meeting with journalists, recalling the case of competition in Porto, which saw same initial interest and “after only two entities had concrete proposal” (one after the deadline).

More than the number of potential bidders, Sergio Monteiro stressed that the Government is moving hand over the responsibility of management to third parties, “maintaining or improving the quality of service,” and at the same time, the investment responsibility in rolling stock.

“Our intention is to transfer the responsibility investment in rolling stock, especially in Carris, for the private partner, because the state has balanced these companies operationally ie already are profitable, but do not generate enough revenue to make investment, including in fleet renewal, “he added.

More Sergio Monteiro wants to ensure that in the coming years – eight in the case of Carris and nine in the Lisbon Metro – consolidate the savings achieved with the implemented measures, which, in his view, can be called into question by a future government.

“It is proven that we have a shuttle service that meets people’s needs and that is sustainable,” he said.

Interested parties have until 14 May (52 days) to deliver binding proposals, which term may suffer hits if there is a flood of questions from competitors, as has happened in the same competition in Porto.

Since yesterday, interested parties can raise the specifications on concessions on the online platform, which includes all the conditions required by the Government for the future manager of Lisbon transportation systems.

Speaking to journalists, Sergio Monteiro highlighted the investment obligations, noting that, during the contract life, “will have to be renewed every Carris bus” if excusing to specify the number of buses concerned or investment.