HS2 Ltd has launched the competition for the £2.75 billion (EUR 3.27 billion) contract to design, build and maintain Britain’s next generation of high speed trains.
The successful bidder will work with High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd to develop around 60 trains to transport passengers across the country on the new high speed rail network and onto the existing railway.
The contract to provide the initial fleet of trains will be awarded as a single package. Invitations to tender are expected to be issued to shortlisted bidders in spring 2018 with contract award following in late 2019. Future contracts will add to this fleet to provide trains for the second phase of the project in 2033.
The successful bidder will maintain the fleet from the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath in Birmingham. The site will also be home to the HS2 Network Control Centre which will together create hundreds of skilled jobs.
Starting from 2026, the trains will bring the benefits of high speed rail not only to the core network between London and the West Midlands, but also onward to places like Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan.
“It is a given that we want the trains to be comfortable, reliable and a pleasure to use, meeting the highest standards internationally for passenger experience, noise reduction, and environmental sustainability. But companies interested in bidding for the train contract need to push the boundaries. We want to see innovation, creativity and ambition. The construction of these trains will also leave a legacy for this country, boosting skills, generating employment and strengthening the manufacturing supply chain,” Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said.
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