Companies from England, Spain, France, China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Chile attended the 2017 Transantiago Roadshow, held to promote the re-tender of Santiago’s public transport system, which seeks to replace over 3,300 buses.

The Roadshow was chaired by the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Paola Tapia, who highlighted the high level of attendance, noting that “this large attendance, which includes manufacturers, operators and financial entities from around the world, reflects the confidence that the different players in the world of public transport have in our country and in the integrated system we have developed.”

She also emphasized that the tender is based on three pillars: better service quality, increased competition within the system and greater continuity of service. In her view, these three factors are crucial in order to improve and strengthen the city’s transport network.

The director of InvestChile, Carlos Álvarez, also drew attention to the interest the Roadshow had attracted, identifying this as a sign that “Chile continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investment, due to its attributes of solid institutions, an open economy and security.” He added that, “in Chile, foreign investors receive the same treatment as local investors, which is an incentive for competition and service quality.”

During the press conference, Álvarez announced that, over the next few months, roadshows will also take place in Chile and England.

Details and progress

The re-tender process was launched in May and envisages the replacement of 50% of Santiago’s fleet of buses. This is equivalent to 3,300 new buses of which 90 will have to be electric, marking the start of a new stage of technological development in transport in Santiago and the country as a whole.

Offers are also expected to include buses with low-emissions technology, buses using natural gas, double deckers and technology to prevent fare evasion such as turnstiles, inspectors and payment areas.

The tender term sheets are currently being reviewed by the Comptroller General’s Office and the results are therefore expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2018. For further information, go to the Transantiago se renueva website implemented by the Technical Secretariat of the Metropolitan Public Transport Board (DTPM).

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