State operator CP – Comboios de Portugal has engaged Deloitte to devise concession models for its suburban services in Lisbon and Oporto, a government-backed move to “empower” the public firm by freeing it to focus on high-speed lines.
However, as Publico.pt reports, the contract is absent from the Base.gov.pt portal, sparking criticism over opacity.
Deloitte has circulated surveys to potential bidders, gauging views on contract length, service scope, investment in new rolling stock, train maintenance, and the awarding body (CP or the State).
Grupo Barraqueiro, with vast experience running public transport concessions like Fertagus, Metro do Porto, and Metro Sul do Tejo, welcomes the plan: “We’re pleased with the initiative, which will boost quality and cut costs for the State”. The group pledges flexibility on models, provided tenders are fair and sustainable.
Transdev’s French outfit, under CEO Sérgio Soares, eyes it as a prime chance to renew the ageing fleet. Soares slams current mobility woes as breeding “cultural tensions” on packed lines like Azambuja or Fertagus, praising private-sector nimbleness in recruiting young talent and tapping global benchmarking. On fresh EMUs, he says it hinges on the State: “These can be financed via long-term deals or PPPs sharing costs and revenues”, urging clear rules.
Other private players may join, in line with Miguel Pinto Luz’s government agenda. Unions warn of lost synergies and public-service erosion; CP’s 2026-2032 plan leaves open whether it’ll sub-concede or bid itself.