Bahrain’s Transport Ministry has given potential operators of the country’s public bus network more time to prepare their bids.

The tender closing date has been moved to 11 December. Bids have already been submitted for a consultancy contract. Once awarded, the consultant will support the ministry in the evaluation of the bids for the public transport operator contract.

Currently Bahrain’s buses are operated by a Bahraini-UAE joint venture called Cars Transport Corporation. The JV has been in charge since the buses were privatised in 2003 and its contract is due to expire in 2014.

In line with other GCC states, the Bahrain government is keen to upgrade its public transport services to encourage more of the population to reduce their car usage.