Zagreb's ZET outsources student transport due to aging fleet

Zagreb's public transport operator, ZET, continues to rely on private companies for student transportation as its own fleet ages and lacks sufficient technically sound vehicles. This reliance is evident in a new tender seeking external partners for school transport services at five primary schools across the city.

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Transport includes work of the school in the morning and afternoon shift. Bus rental includes the cost of the driver. Student transport is ordered due to the inability to ensure technical compliance and the wear and tear of the client's fleet for this type of transport.

The tender, valued at 750,000 euros, aims to secure services for schools in Sesvete, Dugave, Fran Galović, Granešina, and Antun Branko Šimić. The framework agreement with selected providers will span two years and includes the rental of vehicles and drivers, with pre-determined schedules. The need for external services stems directly from ZET's inability to ensure technical compliance and the general wear and tear of its existing fleet for this specific type of transport.

While ZET is actively working to renew its fleet, having introduced seven new school buses last year and expecting three more by the end of the year, these additions are not yet sufficient to cover all student transport needs. The new buses, costing 1.6 million euros, are equipped with 55 seats, air conditioning, and video surveillance for enhanced child safety. Currently, ZET operates 41 school buses and plans to add three more by year's end, valued at 847,000 euros. This school year, the City of Zagreb is organizing transport for nearly 4,000 students from 19 primary schools.

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Buses, with a total value of 1.6 million euros, are equipped with 55 seats, air conditioning, and video surveillance for the safety of children.

Historically, ZET provided transport for all schools. However, the deteriorating condition of its fleet led to the delegation of services to private carriers. The company's policy is to organize transport for students living more than 3 kilometers from their educational institutions for lower grades, and more than 5 kilometers for higher grades. The outsourced buses must comply with legal requirements and high safety standards, adapted for child transport.

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In total, ZET now has 41 school buses, and three more vehicles worth 847,000 euros are expected by the end of the year.