BKV estimates the works to be worth Forints 65bn ($US 264m) and the winning party will be required to carry out the authorisation process which includes testing and obtaining the permission to place into service as well as physical alterations. These involve complete corrosion protection with anti-resonance and fire protection layers, replacing worn out mechanical parts, providing new bogies and traction motors, rewiring the cars to overhaul the automatic train control system, building new ventilation systems and a completely new interior which incorporates modern public information systems.
All cars must be back in service within 39 months of signing the contract with severe fines for any delays.
In the first round of tender evaluation, BKV will examine the economic background of the companies. Contenders must possess references of rebuilding at least 200 metro cars in the past six years as well as fulfilling requirements on minimum income. The most important aspect of the evaluation will then be the price.
BKV says it will not pay anything in advance to the winner, but only after all the work or certain parts have been carried out. However, this will be defined at a later stage.
If new metro cars are available for a similar price, companies are invited to offer new vehicles. The deadline for applications is December 23. A winner is expected to be announced in May 2015.
