While the renewal of Atm’s board of directors is underway, Milan’s public transport company, wholly owned by the municipality, has already forged a strategic agreement with Hitachi and Webuild. This alliance is set to participate in the forthcoming tender for the concession of the city’s public transport service, which will be issued by the Territorial Transport Agency.
A Comprehensive Partnership for Milan’s Mobility
The newly formed grouping, comprising Atm, Hitachi, and Webuild, is not only focused on managing the public transport service but also on undertaking the construction of metro extensions. This includes both currently conceptualized extensions and those yet to be awarded. The three entities have reportedly already submitted their project financing proposal to the municipality and the relevant agency, signaling their comprehensive approach to Milan’s urban mobility development.
Long-Awaited Tender and International Competition
Milan’s public transport concession is slated to expire at the end of the current year, following a five-year period of extensions. Initially prolonged due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these extensions continued even after the immediate health emergency subsided. The Agency is now mandated to issue a call for tenders, which is anticipated to attract significant international competition.
The decision to maintain a competitive tendering process in Milan, rather than opting for in-house management, aligns with Atm’s established strategy. The company itself actively participates in international tenders, currently managing the Copenhagen metro, the Thessaloniki metro, and a segment of bus transport services in Paris. A direct municipal concession would preclude such international engagements due to European competition regulations that mandate reciprocity.
Integrated Solutions: Service Management and Infrastructure Development
The consortium’s proposal offers a holistic package, enabling the three entities to both manage the public transport service and construct metro lines and public transport vehicles. Project financing tenders typically involve a multi-stage process, beginning with the approval of the project by the Agency, followed by a subsequent tender for its construction.
Metro Extensions: Current Status and Future Plans
Currently, work on Metro 1 to Baggio has commenced in Milan, while projects for Metro 2 to Segrate and Metro 5 to Monza are yet to begin. The allocation of necessary resources for these extensions is still pending, despite assurances from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Atm Board of Directors: Key Appointments and Confirmations
Regarding the list of candidates for Atm’s board of directors deemed suitable by the City of Milan, Christian Malangone, the current managing director of Palazzo Marino, is a prominent name. Seeking re-appointment are Atm president Gioia Maria Ghezzi, Alessia Mosca, Ottorino Passariello, and current CEO Alberto Zorzan.
