Post by ferryfast admin on Dec 19, 2011 11:10:57 GMT -5
Harbour ferries tender issued
Article published on 17 December 2011
www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=137005
Transport Malta
www.dca.gov.mt/Home.aspx
Transport Malta initiated a tendering process yesterday seeking to identify on behalf of the government a suitable operator who would provide two scheduled maritime ferry services for the transportation of passengers between specific landing places in Sliema and Marsamxett, and in Valletta and the inner part of Dockyard Creek in Cospicua.
The service is expected to be operational at the latest by the end of June in Marsamxett and by September in Grand Harbour.
The government in 2005 had developed a strategy to induce a modal shift in the transportation of people by promoting the use of more sustainable forms of transport, with the objective of reducing the level of land traffic, and its associated costs and environmental impact, by increasing the availability and accessibility of alternative means of transport.
Of prime importance within this strategy, Transport Malta said, is the development of a more regular maritime service, connecting Valletta to both the Cottonera and Sliema areas. The areas around Grand Harbour and the port of Marsamxett offer popular tourist attractions and are densely populated. Hence, their connection by sea transport is deemed to be a viable proposition.
TM said that after a steep decline in the popularity of transportation by sea during the final quarter of the last century, the Sliema and Valletta connection has recently seen a steady increase in popularity. There are strong indicators that the volume of users, particularly those of tourists, can be increased further and well beyond the trips per day currently conducted during the peak season. And although more challenging, the government is confident that it is possible to increase the popularity of this type of transport with the population.
The main objectives of the ferry services are the provision:
• Of a reliable maritime transport which is operated on a fixed time schedule, offered at a price and level of service aimed at stimulating its further increase in popularity;
• A scheduled service which is commercially feasible and attractive for the private operators to operate. This may necessitate an initial financial compensation and an exclusive use of strategic landing places until the volume of passengers reaches the desired level to become a profitable operation;
• A maritime transport service which complements the other alternative methods of maritime transportation such as water taxis and traditional boats (Dgħajjes tal-Pass) which have become increasingly popular over the last few years.
The contract will:
• Be for the duration of eight years;
• Provide the exclusive use of three landing places in Sliema (Sliema Ferries), Marsamxett (near waterpolo pitch) and inner Dockyard Creek (between the Regatta Club and the No 1 Dock area in Cospicua) respectively and the provision of a berth at Lascaris Wharf or Pinto Wharf as available;
• Include the responsibility of Transport Malta for the landing places which shall be gradually upgraded and maintained during the course of this service agreement;
• Generate revenue through a financial contribution expected from the operator from the fourth year onwards; and
• Offer free use of the lift, at Lascaris in Valletta, for all valid ferry ticket holders. The offer will be introduced immediately on commissioning of the lift, expected to be by not later than the first quarter of 2013.
The operator shall provide:
• Two simultaneous services, one in each port;
• A guaranteed minimum service all year round, at a maximum interval of 30 minutes from each landing place, within a stipulated schedule;
• A continuous service through the obligation of the operator to provide substitute/relief vessels when the nominated vessels are not available due to breakdowns, damage, or planned maintenance;
• Additional services over and above the minimum services to cover those occasions when there is an increase in demand, including during national holidays and events;
• An affordable service offered at regulated tariffs which can only increase once every three years. The rate of increase must be limited to the inflationary costs associated with providing the service (including the increase in the cost of fuel). Any amendments will only be introduced once approved by the authority;
• Maximum fares shall not exceed €1.5 per trip for adults. Children under the age of 12, Karta Anzjan holders and Blue Card holders shall only pay 50c per trip. Furthermore, the operator will be obliged to offer a weekly pass with unrestricted use for a maximum of €10;
• A service which is expected to be operational at the latest by the end of June in Marsamxett and by September in Grand Harbour;
• A high quality service which will be monitored by the authority;
• An improvement in the type of vessels. The tender provides a minimum specification for vessels and rewards proposals with vessels which are younger or new. Vessels must be accessible to people with reduced mobility, including people with special needs, people accompanying young children and elderly people. Vessels must have adequate seating for all passengers, toilet facilities, adequate lighting, ventilation, signage and safety/lifesaving equipment;
• A safer and more professional service. The operator must have a safety plan, employ qualified crew who must be fluent in both Maltese and English and who must wear a uniform and visible identification;
• A service that meets the expectations of the customers. The operator has a number of obligations to ensure the right level of service including the requirement to display the fare prices at the landing places and on board the vessel, to issue a receipt for every ticket sold and the obligation to maintain a website providing on-line information, timetables and an early warning to flag any disruptions and changes to the services due to bad weather.
Article published on 17 December 2011
www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=137005
Transport Malta
www.dca.gov.mt/Home.aspx
Transport Malta initiated a tendering process yesterday seeking to identify on behalf of the government a suitable operator who would provide two scheduled maritime ferry services for the transportation of passengers between specific landing places in Sliema and Marsamxett, and in Valletta and the inner part of Dockyard Creek in Cospicua.
The service is expected to be operational at the latest by the end of June in Marsamxett and by September in Grand Harbour.
The government in 2005 had developed a strategy to induce a modal shift in the transportation of people by promoting the use of more sustainable forms of transport, with the objective of reducing the level of land traffic, and its associated costs and environmental impact, by increasing the availability and accessibility of alternative means of transport.
Of prime importance within this strategy, Transport Malta said, is the development of a more regular maritime service, connecting Valletta to both the Cottonera and Sliema areas. The areas around Grand Harbour and the port of Marsamxett offer popular tourist attractions and are densely populated. Hence, their connection by sea transport is deemed to be a viable proposition.
TM said that after a steep decline in the popularity of transportation by sea during the final quarter of the last century, the Sliema and Valletta connection has recently seen a steady increase in popularity. There are strong indicators that the volume of users, particularly those of tourists, can be increased further and well beyond the trips per day currently conducted during the peak season. And although more challenging, the government is confident that it is possible to increase the popularity of this type of transport with the population.
The main objectives of the ferry services are the provision:
• Of a reliable maritime transport which is operated on a fixed time schedule, offered at a price and level of service aimed at stimulating its further increase in popularity;
• A scheduled service which is commercially feasible and attractive for the private operators to operate. This may necessitate an initial financial compensation and an exclusive use of strategic landing places until the volume of passengers reaches the desired level to become a profitable operation;
• A maritime transport service which complements the other alternative methods of maritime transportation such as water taxis and traditional boats (Dgħajjes tal-Pass) which have become increasingly popular over the last few years.
The contract will:
• Be for the duration of eight years;
• Provide the exclusive use of three landing places in Sliema (Sliema Ferries), Marsamxett (near waterpolo pitch) and inner Dockyard Creek (between the Regatta Club and the No 1 Dock area in Cospicua) respectively and the provision of a berth at Lascaris Wharf or Pinto Wharf as available;
• Include the responsibility of Transport Malta for the landing places which shall be gradually upgraded and maintained during the course of this service agreement;
• Generate revenue through a financial contribution expected from the operator from the fourth year onwards; and
• Offer free use of the lift, at Lascaris in Valletta, for all valid ferry ticket holders. The offer will be introduced immediately on commissioning of the lift, expected to be by not later than the first quarter of 2013.
The operator shall provide:
• Two simultaneous services, one in each port;
• A guaranteed minimum service all year round, at a maximum interval of 30 minutes from each landing place, within a stipulated schedule;
• A continuous service through the obligation of the operator to provide substitute/relief vessels when the nominated vessels are not available due to breakdowns, damage, or planned maintenance;
• Additional services over and above the minimum services to cover those occasions when there is an increase in demand, including during national holidays and events;
• An affordable service offered at regulated tariffs which can only increase once every three years. The rate of increase must be limited to the inflationary costs associated with providing the service (including the increase in the cost of fuel). Any amendments will only be introduced once approved by the authority;
• Maximum fares shall not exceed €1.5 per trip for adults. Children under the age of 12, Karta Anzjan holders and Blue Card holders shall only pay 50c per trip. Furthermore, the operator will be obliged to offer a weekly pass with unrestricted use for a maximum of €10;
• A service which is expected to be operational at the latest by the end of June in Marsamxett and by September in Grand Harbour;
• A high quality service which will be monitored by the authority;
• An improvement in the type of vessels. The tender provides a minimum specification for vessels and rewards proposals with vessels which are younger or new. Vessels must be accessible to people with reduced mobility, including people with special needs, people accompanying young children and elderly people. Vessels must have adequate seating for all passengers, toilet facilities, adequate lighting, ventilation, signage and safety/lifesaving equipment;
• A safer and more professional service. The operator must have a safety plan, employ qualified crew who must be fluent in both Maltese and English and who must wear a uniform and visible identification;
• A service that meets the expectations of the customers. The operator has a number of obligations to ensure the right level of service including the requirement to display the fare prices at the landing places and on board the vessel, to issue a receipt for every ticket sold and the obligation to maintain a website providing on-line information, timetables and an early warning to flag any disruptions and changes to the services due to bad weather.