Tender for Public Transport Passenger Services by Portugal's CI-AMAL - Comunidade Intermunicipal do Algarve

Tender Title: Public Tender No. 3/2026 – Procurement of Scheduled Public Road Passenger Transport Services

Procurement Purpose: This tender procedure aims to procure scheduled public road passenger transport services to meet the public transport needs of the Algarve region in Portugal, ensuring convenient travel for residents and tourists within the region.

CPV Code: 60112000 (Public road transport services)

Contract Duration: 8 years

Estimated Contract Value: €105,612,254.00 (excluding VAT)

Scope and Content of Services:

Scheduled Passenger Service Network: The successful bidder must operate scheduled public road passenger transport services throughout the entire Algarve region, covering all municipalities and major transport hubs.

Routes and Timetables: Provide services according to the route network, stop locations, operating frequency, and timetables specified by the contracting authority, ensuring integration with regional transport planning.

Service Types: Including but not limited to urban bus services, intercity connections, transport to tourist hotspots, and daily transport for students and commuters.

Service Quality: Must meet specific standards outlined in the tender specifications regarding punctuality, service reliability, cleanliness, passenger information systems, and customer service.

Vehicle Technical Requirements and Specifications:

Fleet Composition: The successful bidder must deploy a fleet of buses compliant with EU and Portuguese regulations.

Vehicle Age Criteria: The age of the bidder's fleet is a key evaluation factor (40% weight). Bidders who commit to deploying newer, younger fleets in their new bids will receive higher scores.

Technical Conditions: Vehicles must meet technical requirements for safety, emissions (complying with current Euro standards), noise control, etc.

Accessibility Features: Must be equipped with facilities to facilitate boarding and alighting for persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility (e.g., wheelchair users).

Environmental Requirements: The use of low-emission or alternative fuel vehicles is encouraged to support the Algarve region's sustainable development goals.

Operational Requirements:

Staffing: The successful bidder must employ qualified drivers and management personnel to ensure compliant service operation.

Maintenance and Dispatch: Must possess capabilities for daily vehicle maintenance, cleaning, dispatch, and emergency response.

Ticketing and Information Systems: Must integrate with the regional ticketing system and provide real-time passenger information.

Tender Language: Portuguese

Tender Guarantee: Must provide a financial guarantee equivalent to one-third of 5% of the total contract value (excluding VAT).

Tender Validity Period: 180 days

Evaluation Criteria:

Price Factor (60%): Evaluation based on the bidder's service price offer.

Other Factors (40%): Evaluation based on the age of the fleet to be deployed for service. Newer fleet age results in higher scores.

Contract Performance Conditions: Specific performance obligations are detailed in Clause 5a of the tender specifications – General Obligations, including service continuity, quality standards, reporting obligations, etc.

Financial Arrangements: Specific payment terms, price adjustment mechanisms, and financial settlement methods are detailed in Clauses 49 to 54 of the tender specifications.

Electronic Procurement Requirements:

Electronic Bids: Must be submitted electronically.

Electronic Submission Address: https://www.acingov.pt

Electronic Signature: Requires an advanced or qualified electronic signature or seal as defined by EU Regulation (EU) No 910/2014.

Electronic Invoicing: Allowed

Electronic Payment: No