Background on Companies and Relevance
The Agency Regulating Railway Transportation (ARTF) recently received technical and economic proposals from CAF Mexico and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive for the purchase of 15 trains to be used on the route connecting the International Felipe Angeles Airport (AIFA) to Pachuca.
About CAF Mexico
CAF Mexico, a subsidiary of the Spanish multinational company CAF, has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing railway vehicles. They have been involved in significant projects, including the production of rolling stock for the Mexico-Pachuca train and the Mexico-Toluca train, which are crucial components of Mexico’s railway infrastructure.
About CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, is another key player in the global railway industry. They have previously supplied rolling stock for various projects, such as the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metrorey in Mexico City and light rail systems within the capital.
The Bidding Process and Alstom’s Withdrawal
Initially, three companies were invited to participate in the international bidding process: CAF Mexico, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, and Alstom. However, Alstom, which is responsible for manufacturing rolling stock for the Tren Maya project, ultimately declined to submit a proposal.
Alstom explained their decision, stating: “After a thorough analysis of the call for bids, we have concluded that the set of circumstances does not allow us to present a proposal in accordance with the established conditions.”
Proposals and Decision Date
CAF Mexico proposed a total amount of 9,891.2 million pesos for producing trains with a passenger capacity of 700, while CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive offered a lower amount: 5,846.4 million pesos.
ARTF has set the decision date for September 10 at 5:00 PM. The bidding process was recorded by ARTF staff, led by Andrés Lajous, to ensure transparency.
Previous Bidding Attempts
In 2020, CAF Mexico and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive were among the consortiums that competed for a contract to modernize Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro, which runs from Pantitlán to Observatorio. The contract included the sale of rolling stock.
Ultimately, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive was chosen following a public international bidding process.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the companies that submitted proposals for the 15-train sale to ARTF?
CAF Mexico and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive submitted their proposals.
- Why did Alstom decline to participate in the bidding process?
Alstom decided not to submit a proposal after carefully analyzing the call for bids and concluding that the circumstances did not allow them to present a proposal in accordance with the established conditions.
- What are the proposed amounts from CAF Mexico and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive?
CAF Mexico proposed 9,891.2 million pesos, while CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive offered 5,846.4 million pesos.
- When is the decision on the train sale expected?
The decision is expected on September 10 at 5:00 PM.
- Which companies were involved in the 2020 bidding process for modernizing Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro?
CAF Mexico and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive were among the companies that competed for the contract.
