As part of the Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA) “Expanding Railways Solutions Across LAC”; the LAC Transport Unit is seeking consulting services to develop a regional Strategy for rail development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The activity is to support the two first components - both financed by a GFDT Trust Fund for a global amount of 150;000USD - of the ASA: *1.1 Regional assessment of passenger rail transport *1.2 Regional railways freight policy note The assessment is to identify main challenges and opportunities across LAC; in both the freight industry and the passenger railway transport markets. The first task is to assess the freight rail sector to understand the macroeconomics of the freight industry; applied to existing network features in LAC and its market singularities. The assessment focuses on the trade particularities of LAC countries through a supply analysis for the freight industry to better identify market needs and geographic concentrations. This evaluation will also identify potential railway routes and develop a regional strategy for freight railways; focused on development outcomes. The second Task is to identify opportunities in the passenger rail sector for both long-line routes (intercity and regional trains) and urban passenger (metro; tramways.); based on urban agglomeration; mobility needs and heavily demanded regional routes reliant on roads and air traffic that would benefit from railway links. To support our activity; we are considering hiring a highly qualified consultancy; especially regarding the freight railway sector as well as the passenger industry. The works should last 8-10 months considering revisions.