Arriva successfully defends 10-year bus contract in Northern Italy

[London, Wednesday 27 November] Arriva has successfully defended a major bus contract in Northern Italy following the signing of a new 10-year contract. It means that Arriva will continue to operate 750 buses in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in North-Eastern Italy, which includes the cities of Trieste and Udine.

The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional bus transport tender has been secured by a consortium of four companies, which includes Arriva as a major partner. The consortia, TPL FVG, comprises of SAF Udine (60% owned by Arriva Italia), Trieste Trasporti (40% owned by Arriva Italia), APT Gorizia and ATAP Pordenone. Including anticipated ticket sales, the contract is worth up to €1.16bn for SAF Udine and Trieste Trasporti over 10 years.

Jana Siber, Managing Director for Mainland Europe, said: "We have a strong reputation and track record of success in Italy, which has helped us to retain 100% of contracts that have been put out to tender over the past three years. With new tenders on the horizon, we're in a strong position to strengthen our existing bus businesses and continue to build our presence in Italy."

The net value of the contract for all consortia partners is €1.09bn over 10 years, with the option of a five-year extension. The consortia, TPL FVG, will deliver services to around 105 million passengers every year. The contract encompasses a total of 950 vehicles and 1,900 employees. There will be a six-month mobilisation period with the new contract expected to commence in June 2020.

Arriva has been operating services in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region since 2002 when it acquired a 40% stake in Trieste Trasporti. Arriva acquired a 49% stake in SAF Udine in 2004, which increased to 60% in 2005.

Over this period, Arriva has cultivated a reputation for high quality and reliable passenger transport services. The passenger satisfaction score for Arriva’s Trieste Trasporti operations in 2019 was a sky-high 98%.