TDA, SCT to accept bids for transportation systems consulting

The US Trade & Development Agency (TDA) is calling for expressions of interest for a consulting service to modernize the country's transportation network through the application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), the TDA announced. The TDA awarded Mexico's communications & transport ministry (SCT) a US$431,000 grant in September for the study. The study will define an ITS deployment plan, review the legal barriers that could potentially impact ITS implementation, and define financing alternatives. The consultant will assist the SCT in evaluating the seven key regions within Mexico, for the use of the technology, in particular the US-Mexico border crossing. Since entering into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the US and Canada, Mexico's transportation needs have increased significantly and emphasis has been placed in solving freight and passenger traffic, the statement said. The project will facilitate the movement of cargo and passengers between the border. A US firm will be selected to provide the assistance and bids are due January 5. The project could be worth up to US$100mn in US exports, the statement added. The funding falls under the Partnership for Prosperity economic alliance project between the US and Mexico, BNamericas previously reported. The Mexican highway system currently transports 80% of land cargo and 98% of passengers around the country.