KARACHI, Jan 1: The transport and communications department of the city government has extended the date for submission of bids for the development of 470 bus stops on 36 routes in the metropolis.

Sources in the department said the last date for the submission of bids had been extended from Dec 30 to Jan 11. The bids would be opened in presence of the contesting parties on Jan 11, they said.

They said 13 companies had purchased the documents and more companies had contacted the department in this connection.

The sources said 400 places had been identified so far for the construction of transit bus shelters, where facilities such as public toilets, water coolers, and public phone booths would be available.

The shelters, which would be built on 470 bus stops on 36 major corridors, would be given to the bidders for five years on ‘build-operate-transfer’ basis and the companies would also be responsible for their maintenance.

They said the city government would review the performance of the companies and if they failed to maintain the shelters, the contract for maintenance would be awarded to another firm by inviting fresh bids.

They said a uniform design was being devised for the shelters and a meeting had been convened on Jan 8 to discuss the structure with the intending bidders.

Most of those who have obtained the documents are out-door advertisers and builders but a transporter, the Allied Services, a qualified participant of Urban Transport Scheme, has also shown interest in this regard, adds APP.

Tuck shops will be allowed at selected bus stops where no traffic or other problems are involved.

Land will be given free of charge for the development of the stops, however, its ownership will remain with the city government.