Following the approval of the tender specifications in the plenary session, the council has put this service out for tender. The contract has an estimated value of 29,605,158 euros and a execution period of ten years. The average annual cost is 2,839,000 euros. Interested companies can submit their bids until 1:30 PM on August 17th.
The service will be financed through ticket and pass sales, with the City Council supplementing payments to cover the total cost. "The goal is for the new contract to be operational within approximately one year, as the implementation period will be six months from its signing," recalls the delegate for Mobility, José Vera.
The service will feature a total of 15 lines, in addition to special services deemed appropriate as the city evolves. The awarded company must employ at least 27 drivers, one inspector, three mechanics, two administrative staff, and one service manager. Furthermore, it must operate a minimum of 22 buses, 14 larger ones and 8 minibuses, all powered by biogas and to be gradually replaced. The contractor will also be responsible for managing the bus station during the initially planned hours, though this may be extended through proposed improvements.
"We must make it clear that urban bus fares are approved annually in the plenary session. Therefore, that matter does not depend on the company providing the service," clarifies José Vera, adding that "the same applies to stored-value cards or discounts for seniors and students."
This new contract will represent an improvement in public service, adding to the ongoing enhancements in the infrastructure and road network. "The best public service is one that serves the largest possible number of citizens, which we have been observing in recent years, exceeding one million passengers in 2023, 2024, and 2025, after the pandemic crisis," he explains.
