Background on the Agency and Its Role
The Agencia Reguladora de Transporte Ferroviario (ARTF) is a Mexican regulatory body responsible for overseeing the rail transport sector. Its mission is to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Mexico’s railway system.
ARTF’s Decision on National Content for 15 New Trains
In alignment with the Plan México, ARTF decided that 15 passenger trains for the Mexico-Pachuca route will be manufactured domestically, with a minimum of 55% national content. Initially, the project proposed a 50% national content requirement.
Bidders and Their Mexican Manufacturing Capabilities
Three companies submitted comments and questions before the formal start of the bidding process: CAF (Spain), Alstom (France), and CRRC (China). Both CAF and Alstom have manufacturing plants in Mexico, producing rolling stock for projects like the Tren Maya, Mexico-Toluca train, and Suburbano (Buenavista to Cuautitlán).
CRRC’s Request for Lower National Content
CRRC initially requested a reduction in the national content requirement from 50% to 35-40%, citing difficulties in sourcing components and equipment domestically. ARTF rejected this request, stating it was not feasible.
Furthermore, CRRC proposed manufacturing the first two trains in their home country and the remaining 13 in Mexico. ARTF also declined this proposal.
Government’s Focus on Elevating National and Regional Content
The federal government aims to increase national and regional content through import substitution. ARTF’s decision reflects this objective.
CRRC’s Additional Requests
CRRC also requested that bidders justify their experience in train and maintenance facility fabrication with at least 10 contracts. Due to time constraints for proposal preparation, they sought to reduce this requirement to five contracts. ARTF denied both requests.
Scope of the ARTF-Led Bidding Process
Included Maintenance:
The bidding process, managed by ARTF, includes 15 trains (each with a capacity of 700 passengers and a European traffic management system), five years of maintenance, and workshop equipment.
“Train maintenance encompasses all organs, elements, and equipment of all vehicles, excluding no systems.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the ARTF’s role? A: The Agencia Reguladora de Transporte Ferroviario (ARTF) is a Mexican regulatory body overseeing the rail transport sector, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Mexico’s railway system.
- Q: How many trains are being procured, and what is their capacity? A: Fifteen trains are being purchased, each with a capacity of 700 passengers.
- Q: What percentage of national content is required for the new trains? A: The ARTF decided on a minimum of 55% national content for the new trains.
- Q: Which companies submitted comments and requests during the bidding process? A: CAF (Spain), Alstom (France), and CRRC (China) submitted comments and requests.
- Q: What were CRRC’s additional requests? A: CRRC requested a lower national content requirement and proposed manufacturing the first two trains in their home country while producing the remaining 13 in Mexico. Both requests were denied by ARTF.
