Seventeen companies are competing to win contracts to operate new bus services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The tender process is part of reform to improve the standards, safety and efficiency of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s public transport sector and provide a better quality of life to residents and visitors.

Following a RFQ ‘Request for Pre-Qualification’ process, companies have been shortlisted to enter the RFP ‘Request for Proposal’ phase to develop and submit their competitive business proposals for the new bus network. The credentials of pre-qualified candidates were assessed on merit in terms of company track record, management experience and financial stability.

“We are delivering on our plan to improve public transport across the Emirate and this tender process is the first step towards better buses. We look forward to seeing the first fleets on the roads by the end of this year,” says Khaled Al Rashedi, Project Manager, mandated by the Program Management Office of Abu Dhabi Government Restructuring Committee. “We are working hard to realise our goal to provide a modern integrated public transport network that improves quality of life and economic opportunities for everyone across the emirate.”

“The RFQ was very successful and we have judged each submission fairly and transparently against our selection criteria. The emphasis now shifts towards the companies presenting a strong business case that guarantees the delivery of the best possible bus service for Abu Dhabi.”

The shortlisted candidates include: Tawasul Transport, Q-Link Transport, Cars Taxi LLC, Emirates Transport, National Transport, Al Jaber Transport & General Contracting LLC, Al Wathba Co. for Central Services, Al Masaood Group, Arabia Taxi LLC, National Taxi, Emirates National Group, Al Ghazal Transport, Al Mariah United Group, Veolia Transport, Al Fahim & Big Bus Company Partnership, Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Al Dhafra Co-operative Society.