Andorra Launches Tender for Bus Restructuring Study to Integrate with Tramvalira Tram
Andorra's government has opened a €37,620 tender for a study to realign its bus network with the upcoming Tramvalira tram to Catalonia. Meanwhile, Catalonia seeks proposals for a detailed €867,446 feasibility analysis of the 20km line.
Key Points
- Andorran tender worth €37,620 optimises bus network for Tramvalira integration, including stops and park-and-ride facilities.
- Catalonia tenders €867,446 feasibility study for 20km Tramvalira line to La Seu d'Urgell, 65% EU-funded.
- Catalan study assesses technical viability, cycle path, airport branch, and compares to bus alternatives.
- Bids for Andorran bus study due by 5pm on 7 August.
The Andorran government has launched an international tender for a strategic study to restructure the bus network, ensuring it complements the proposed Tramvalira tramway linking Andorra to La Seu d'Urgell in Catalonia.
Valued at an estimated €37,620 including VAT, the five-month contract aims to optimise bus operations within a segregated transport model. The study will outline how buses can integrate with the tram, including infrastructure needs such as space reservations for stops, transfer points, park-and-ride facilities and linkage parking. These elements must align with the sectoral infrastructure plan for transport, accounting for urban expansion, planned roads, cycle lanes and other developments to secure comprehensive public transport coverage.
Separately, the Generalitat de Catalunya has tendered a feasibility study for the 20-kilometre Tramvalira line, which it values at €250 million in construction costs and envisages with at least five stations. The contract, with a base budget of €867,446 including VAT—broken down as €716,897 excluding VAT and €150,548 in 21% VAT—is 65% funded by the EU through the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra (Poctefa 2021-2027) programme.
The study will evaluate technical and functional viability, a parallel cycle path especially in urban and peri-urban sections, and a branch to La Seu d'Urgell Airport. It requires socioeconomic analysis comparing the tram to bus alternatives like higher frequencies or bus priority lanes, plus phased implementation options. The winning firm must deliver a model one month before the full 12-month report, with Infraestructures.cat allotted three months for review. Detailed cost breakdowns include €568,125 for analysis of precedents, mobility diagnosis, route studies and demand forecasts; €30,457 for socioeconomic profitability; €57,845 for the airport extension; and €42,000 for 12 virtual images.
This follows the Tramvalira steering committee's formation in February and Infraestructures.cat's June admission of insufficient internal resources. The study must incorporate Andorra's ongoing internal tram planning. Construction estimates may shift based on outcomes and future bids.
Bids for the Andorran bus study are due by 5pm on 7 August.
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