Bahrain’s Transport Ministry has issued a tender for a new bus operator in an effort to improve the country’s public transportation.

Bidders have until 13 November to submit their applications.

Bahrain’s public transportation was privatised in 2003. A Bahraini-UAE joint venture called Cars Transport Corporation took over the operation of the buses in May 2003 through a concession agreement. It operates 10 main routes.

In December last year, the Transport Ministry announced the government will launch a tender for a new operator. Cars Transport Corporation will continue to operate until 2014.