Brasília metro tender covers 15 new trains

The government of Brazil's Federal District launched a tender on 6 July for 15 new trains for Brasília's metro operator, Metrô-DF.

The contract, worth around Reais 1 billion (close to US$200 million), forms part of a wider plan to expand and modernise the capital's metro network. Metrô-DF says the combination of physical network expansion and fleet renewal could lift daily ridership from a current 160,000-180,000 passengers to as many as 450,000 users a day within five years.

The tender follows an open bidding model, with lowest price the sole selection criterion. Bidders have until 15 September to submit responses. Contract signing is expected before the end of the year, with manufacturing due to begin in 2027 and the first trains scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The new four-car trains will be fitted with air-conditioning, monitoring systems, digital passenger information displays, dynamic line maps, and fire detection and fighting equipment. The trains must be compatible with CBTC signalling technology, a system not currently used by Metrô-DF but one that would eventually allow shorter intervals between trains.

The contract also covers the supply of spare parts, specialised maintenance tools, a driver training simulator, and both on-site and remote technical support. The Brazilian Railway Industry Association (Abifer) has separately called for the process to be held in person rather than through electronic bidding only, citing the need for greater transparency given the scale of public funds involved.

The 6 July tender launch, the estimated contract value, the bid submission timeline, the technical specification, and Abifer's request are confirmed by Federal District authorities and by rail trade press.