For the first time since the Tyne and Wear Metro opened in the early 1980s there is to be a new fleet of trains with the five bidders shortlisted to design, build and maintain the new trains recently revealed by transport executive Nexus. The bidders include companies with vast experience in supplying trains and trams to the UK along with some more unfamiliar names.
The shortlist consists of:
* Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd
* Construccuiones y Auxilliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF)
* Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd – a joint venture between Downer EDI Rail and CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd
* Hitachi Rail Europe Ltd
* Stadler Bussnang AG
Nexus have now begin detailed negotiations with all the companies with the plan that a preferred bidder will be chosen by the end of next year. The first new trains will then be delivered two years later than that (so from 2021).
Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “Our investment in new trains will transform passengers’ experience of the Tyne and Wear Metro. We have issued an Invitation to Negotiate to five bidders who, between them, are building trains for many of the world’s biggest cities and rail networks. This marks an important milestone as we work with them to provide an excellent Metro for North East England for decades to come.”
As part of the bid the companies are expected to design trains which will operate efficiently and robustly and provide a step change in Metro availability and performance, with a “bright modern appearance”. There should be improved seating layouts, wider doors and stand back areas, wide aisles and a layout which will encourage the flow of passengers through the vehicle. It is hoped that all of this will help to reduce station dwell times.
In addition passengers sense of security should be improved and there should be accessibility for all. There should be space for large items and luggage and air conditioning to be fitted as standard.
As well as designing and building the new trains the successful company will also maintain the trains at a newly built maintenance facility due to be built on the existing site in Gosforth. The maintenance contract will be for 35 years. They will also be responsible for maintaining the current fleet of trains to ensure there is a smooth transition between old and new between 2022 and 2024.
The current fleet of trains were built between 1975 (first prototypes) and 1981 with the vast majority last enjoying a major refurbishment between 2010 and 2015.