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email pageIberia*
| Revenue £105.4 million (2006: £85.8 million) |
Iberia is similar to the UK regional bus market in that it operates on a commercial rather than a contracted basis.
* Including share of associates
Portugal
| Buses | 1,550 |
| Train sets | 6 |
| Employees | 3,150 |
| Entered bus market | 2000 |
| Population | 10.6 million |
| Liberalisation stage |
Bus emerging Rail yet to liberalise |
Bus
The Portuguese bus market is a regulated market in transition. The municipalities are responsible for allocating routes or transport service networks through awarding exclusive concessions to independent operators, or by delivering the services directly. Barraqueiro, in which Arriva has a 31.5 per cent interest, is the largest operator, with Arriva third largest.
Rail
Urban and regional rail services are operated under concessions allocated by the state, dominated by state-owned Camboios de Portugal (CP). The first and only private company to hold a rail concession is Fertagus, owned by Barraqueiro. Through Barraqueiro, we also have an interest in the Metro Sul do Tejo tram operation in Lisbon.
Future
Work is under way to alter the legislation in force for bus public transport provision at a regional and national level, and a market changing trial may soon be started with the creation of metropolitan transport authorities in the Lisbon and Oporto metropolitan areas. There are no early signs of a move to competitive tendering in the rail market, but when changes do occur, we are well placed to benefit through the established good reputation of Fertagus.
Spain
| Buses | 200 |
| Employees | 350 |
| Entered bus market | 1999 |
| Population | 43.7 million |
| Liberalisation stage |
Bus emerging Rail yet to liberalise |
Bus
The urban bus market is operated by private and city-owned companies, whilst the inter-urban and long-distance concessions are operated by private companies. The market remains fragmented as the 4,000-plus small operators, including a large number of family businesses, between them account for approximately 70 per cent of the market.
Rail
The rail market is yet to liberalise, and is dominated by state-owned railway companies RENFE and FEVE. State funding is provided for loss-making regional and urban services, and there are no immediate plans to implement competitive tendering.
Future
Many bus concessions with exclusive rights over long periods will expire over the next five years, and there is a gradual move towards competitive tendering in some cities, such as Madrid where we have established a position. A process of tendering for private operators is planned for future rail services which are now being built, including underground, light rail and tram services.
