In Koper, a call for tenders aims to make public transport more accessible

The city council of Koper has announced a public tender aimed at improving accessibility in municipal bus services. The tender follows a period during which the current concessionaire, Arriva, partially upgraded its fleet but faced complaints from passengers regarding the condition of buses. The new tender emphasizes higher standards of accessibility, including features such as ramps for disabled individuals and child car seats, alongside faster replacement of older vehicles. Officials stated that the goal is to provide residents with more modern, comfortable, and reliable public transportation options. The tender was published by the Municipality of Koper, marking a shift in priorities from merely cost considerations to service quality. According to officials, the new tender requires bidders to demonstrate compliance with stricter accessibility criteria. This includes equipping new buses with ramps and other necessary facilities to accommodate people with disabilities and children. The municipality emphasized that these improvements would enhance the overall passenger experience while ensuring greater inclusivity in public transport. The decision comes after years of gradual upgrades to the existing fleet, which had been criticized for aging infrastructure and inconsistent maintenance. While Arriva managed to replace some of its older vehicles, many passengers remained dissatisfied with the reliability and comfort of the service. The new tender aims to address these concerns by enforcing higher performance benchmarks and encouraging the procurement of newer, better-maintained buses. The tender process will involve evaluating bids based on both financial proposals and service delivery plans. Bidders must outline how they intend to meet the accessibility requirements and ensure timely vehicle replacements. The municipality expects this approach to result in a more efficient and user-friendly public transport system, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups who rely heavily on accessible services. Local authorities have expressed confidence that the new tender will lead to tangible improvements in service quality. They believe that prioritizing accessibility will not only meet legal obligations but also align with broader urban development goals focused on sustainability and social inclusion. The tender is expected to attract multiple interested parties, potentially leading to competitive bidding and better outcomes for the community. As the tender opens, local residents and advocacy groups have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a positive step toward more inclusive public transportation. However, some remain cautious, noting that the success of the program will depend on effective implementation and ongoing oversight. With the tender now active, the focus shifts to monitoring the process and ensuring that the final selection meets the high standards set by the municipality.