EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

Photo: Škoda 15T ForCity Prague

The agreement between Rigas Satiksme and Skoda has been signed on supply of 20 low-deck tramways – 15 three-section and five four-section trams. All the trams should be supplied by the end of 2017.

The total sum of the agreement is EUR 62,591,477 and the payment for the procurement will be made in 15 years.

Rigas Satiksme representative Didzis Stepe explained that Skoda’s offer was the last one remaining in the tender. The offer of Polish company Pojazdy Szynowe PESA Bydgoszcz Spolka Akcyjna did not meet the needs of Riga’s infrastructure, while the other bidder, Stadler Polska, withdrew its offer from the tender. Skoda remained the only bidder and its offer fully satisfied the requirements of Rigas Satiksme.

Stepe rejected earlier reports that the tender rules favored just one bidder.

Skoda commercial director Vladislav Kozak voiced satisfaction that Rigas Satiksme has signed the agreement with the company. He informed the participants on the technical specifications of the trams and said that the design will be developed in cooperation with Rigas Satiksme.

As reported, Rigas Satiksme announced the tender for purchase of 20 new low-deck trams last fall.

In October 2015, two Polish companies – Stadler Polska sp.z.o.o. and Pojazdy Szynowe PESA Bydgoszcz Spolka Akcyjna – complained to the Procurement Monitoring Bureau about the technical specifications for the new trams, but the bureau allowed Rigas Satiksme to proceed with the tender procedure.

Magazine Ir reported previously that tender rules favored the third bidder – Skoda Transportation.

Skoda Transportation was declared the winner of the previous tender for supply of low-floor trams to Rigas Satiksme in 2008. At present, Rigas Satiksme's fleet includes 26 low-deck trams.