The modernisation of Alicante’s more than 250 bus stops has commenced, with an emphasis on the installation of bus shelters and advertising displays. This encompasses the implementation of up to 150 new electronic information panels that will display arrival times and 20 interactive information screens, as well as accessibility improvements at 16 of these locations. The City Council is starting the process of updating the third main urban public bus transport contract, which follows the electrification of the fleet and the digitisation of travel tickets. The purpose of this update is to present an eight-year feasibility study with a budget surpassing €21 million. Of this amount, €10.5 million will be allocated for investment and modernisation.
The Governing Board of the Alicante City Council approved the commencement of the contracting process and the public display of the economic-financial feasibility study for the concession of the comprehensive management and advertising operation of urban furniture associated with public transport this Tuesday. The study will be subject to public information for one month and the resolution of any allegations, if any, before it is re-approved in the Governing Board and for tendering.
This new study suggests that the operating contract will cover the renovation of a portion of the existing infrastructure and the maintenance of the entire infrastructure for a period of eight years. In particular, the project will involve the installation of bus shelters, electronic arrival time displays, bus and taxi stop signs, and advertising panels (which will introduce digital models). In addition to software updates and electrical upgrades, we will supplement the extant displays with new interactive screens. The concessionaire will be responsible for the estimated investment of over €10.5 million.
For this eight-year period, the estimated operating and maintenance costs, as well as interest and fees, exceed €21 million. This economic and financial feasibility study must be approved prior to the commencement of a public tender for the concession contract.
More than 250 awnings
In addition to the restoration of 67 extant bus shelters and the replacement of an additional 192, the project will include the addition of 5 shelters each year over the eight-year contract period. In addition, the concession will include the installation of 20 interactive information screens for enquiries regarding bus lines and the transport network, as well as the complete renovation of arrival time information panels, which will include the installation of up to 150 new panels during the same period. Additionally, the concession will enhance accessibility at two bus stops annually.
In recent years, the municipal government team, led by Luis Barcala, has been making an effort to modernise the urban bus service. The Councillor for Urban Mobility, Carlos de Juan, explained that “this tender will allow us to work on the third pillar of public bus transport, which is the updating and modernisation of the furniture, information elements, and advertising displays at the bus stops.” This action follows the renewal of the contracts for the electrification of the fleet and the digitisation of transport tickets.
Assessment of the service
The tender documents and call for bids for an annual technical assistance service to evaluate compliance with the concession contract for the Public Urban Bus Passenger Transport Service in the City of Alicante, as well as to provide technical and legal advice regarding the concession, have also been approved by the Governing Board. The tender has a starting price of €203,686 for a four-year period, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The City Council is executing this tender to contract technical assistance, which will be funded by the concessionaire in accordance with the contract. The objective of this tender is to evaluate the concession’s governance indicators, which will be employed to determine the City Council’s annual payment for the service.
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