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Metrolink upgrade shortlist revealed

Clarissa Satchell
12/12/2005

PLANS to upgrade the Metrolink network have moved forward with the announcement of a shortlist of bidders to do the work and run the system.

Four companies have been asked to submit bids to supply eight new trams to tackle crowding at peak times on the existing system, and five companies to submit bids to replace the track.

The deal to run the system is also up for grabs and has been split into two contracts - one to operate and maintain the trams and the other to maintain the track and carry out improvement work at stops and stations.

Current operator Serco, which runs the system on behalf of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, has been shortlisted to submit bids for both contracts.

Other firms applying to operate and maintain the trams are First Manchester, Keolis, Stagecoach and Transdev. Competitors for the second contract are Carillion, Edmund Nuttall, First and Mowlem.

Geoff Inskip, GMPTE's deputy director general, said: "The eight new trams and track replacement will massively improve Metrolink so that passengers are able to enjoy the benefits of a smoother, quieter and more reliable service.

Pleased

"The bidding process to appoint contractors, following the government's decision in July to agree a £102m package for Metrolink improvements, is well underway.

"I am pleased that we have now reached the stage where we are able to announce the companies that will be asked to carry out the work and I look forward to being able to appoint the successful bidders in the near future."

Those shortlisted to supply the new trams are Alstom, AnsaldoBreda, Bombadier Transportation, and Siemens. Bidding for the track work are AMEC Spie Rail, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, First Engineering and Mowlem plc.

The original bidding process for the improvements, which also included three new Metrolink lines, had to be scrapped after the government decided the cost of the bids had risen too high.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has said the new bids must come in within an agreed £102m funding package.

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