Vélez-Málaga tenders for tramway re-opening
Posted on 27th February 2023 at 15:57
The Andalucían municipality of Vélez-Málaga has launched tenders to allow a re-opening of its tramway in 2024.
The authorities are to invest EUR4.1m using a subsidy from the Spanish Government which forms part of the country's Next Generation EU coronavirus recovery package allocation from the European Union.
The chosen contractors will have 18 months from contract award to rehabilitate and upgrade the 6.1km (3.8-mile) line’s tracks and power supply, as well as the depot, stops, offices and control centre. The tender deadline is 7 March.
A further EUR3.2m is being sought to upgrade the signalling and rolling stock, as well as to expand the city’s bicycle lane and e-scooter network and install CCTV to control and restrict vehicular access, especially in the urban centre, in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions.
Inaugurated in 2006, the Vélez-Málaga tramway was reportedly losing EUR1m/year when service ceased in June 2012. A 1.2km (0.75-mile) northern extension to Esplanada de la Estaciónto was completed, but never opened to passengers. After the system’s closure, three of the CAF Urbos 2 trams were leased to Sydney for EUR200 000/year in an effort to reduce the deficit.
The Mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Antonio Moreno Ferrer, has urged the Andalucían regional government to “assume its powers in terms of transport and collaborate with the start-up of the tram.”
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