The World Bank is currently preparing a project to finance the construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure on major corridors within the Greater Beirut Area, as well as the purchase of feeder buses to improve reliable public transport coverage.
It would finance a 24km trunk BRT line along the highly congested northern approach to Beirut, transporting commuters from the densely inhabited northern suburbs into central Beirut. The system (including the feeder buses and ticketing system) could be operated and maintained by private sector operators under a PPP.
The government is seeking support from the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) to finance a comprehensive PPP Options Study to assess the various PPP options for operating and maintaining the BRT and feeder system, and possibly investing in rolling-stock and supporting systems of the BRT/feeders.
It will also recommend a preferred business model, outline the main legal, regulatory, financial, and cost and risk sharing aspects of that preferred model, seek market input on the model and prepare an outline structure.
The consultant will draft the heads of terms for the potential PPP transaction.
Expressions of interest for the Greater Beirut Urban Transport Project PPP Options Study are due by 12 January.