Plusbus launches Route 7 tender for all‑electric articulated fleet and depot upgrades

According to ePressi, Plusbus has launched a tender for Tampere’s Route 7 that requires new articulated electric buses and related depot investments; the Tampere Regional Public Transport Committee will decide on the procurement and updates to the Plusbus concept manual on 6 May.

Under EU rules, a standard procurement contract runs up to 10 years, though extensions are allowed when significant investments are involved. The Route 7 procurement is based on major investments in articulated electric buses and depot solutions that justify a longer economic service life for the vehicles and facilities.

The tender will weigh quality at 25 percent and price at 75 percent — a notable shift from the typical 5–10 percent quality and 90–95 percent price split used in many bus procurements. Quality will be assessed both during the tender and throughout the contract period, with quality bonuses included as incentives.

The procurement includes a mandatory employment clause aimed at helping people in weak labour market positions; this will be assessed together with Tampere city employment and growth services and refined through market dialogue. Route 7 is planned to operate every day. It will require about 19 buses plus spare vehicles for charging and maintenance. All vehicles must be new electric articulated buses.

The Plusbus concept manual will be updated to reflect service delivery, procurement requirements and the new fleet. Changes include formal use of the Plusbus name and visual identity; clearer guidance on infrastructure, operations, fleet and equipment; and revised maintenance goals and principles, while technical specifications will be placed in contracts. The procurement model is also being adapted to support the possibility of two different operators for the route.