Operating contract covers services totalling around 14.3 million train-km each year.
Photo Credit: DB/Wolfgang Klee
STUTTGART’s transport authority VRS has launched a tender for the operation of the southwest German city’s S-Bahn network of seven lines, plus two regional lines. The contract, the estimated value of which has not been disclosed, is scheduled to begin on December 10 2034, with the start of the 2035 timetable.
The tender covers not only the operation of the existing network, lines S1-S5, S6/S60 and S62 plus regional services RB64, the Teckbahn, and RB11, the Schusterbahn, but also arrangements for the procurement and ownership of rolling stock.
The total scope of services is expected to comprise around 14.3 million train-km per year as the base operation, plus optional services totalling approximately 2.9 million train-km. In addition, the contract is expected to include a margin allowing for increases or reductions of up to 25% of the base operation.
The operating contract is expected to be awarded as a gross-cost contract with a qualitative incentive system for a period of 15 years, ending on December 12 2049. Selection will be based on two main criteria: price (80%) and quality (20%).
The deadline for bids is September 15.
Rolling stock
VRS will provide the winning bidder with some of the fleet required, including up to 155 existing class 430 four-car EMUs. It is not yet clear to what extent the winning bidder will be responsible for maintaining these.
In addition, the winning bidder could be required to procure and maintain new trains for Teckbahn and Schusterbahn services. However, VRS is also considering acquiring these vehicles through state leasing company SFBW.
The winning bidder will be required to procure any additional trains necessary for operating the network and transfer ownership of them to VRS, while taking on responsibility for their maintenance.
