Alstom Transport UK, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), Hitachi Rail and Stadler Rail Valencia have been invited to tender the delivery of London Trams new fleet.
Transport for London has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) to the four pre-qualified manufacturers that can now proceed to the next stage of the formal procurement process with Transport for London.
The companies will design and build the next generation of trams with an initial order for 24 new air conditioned vehicles, with an option to extend the contract to build further trams.
The award of the contract to design and build the new trams is subject to securing a suitable funding package. TfL continues to discuss its capital funding requirements with Government, including major fleet renewals such as this one.
“This invitation for tram manufacturers to submit bids for the design and manufacture of the next generation of trams on the London Trams network is a significant next step. Subject to funding, these trams will start to enter service in the late 2020s and will provide customers with more comfortable and reliable journeys for many years to come,” Scott Haxton, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery Infrastructure, said.
The new trams will offer customers a more comfortable and reliable service along with several improved features including a redesigned interior, air-conditioning, the latest audio and visual real-time travel information, and mobile device charging points. The new trams will include a multi-use area that is designated primarily for wheelchair users but is also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage when not in use.
The new trams will also feature the latest safety features building on improvements already made on the network, as TfL works to eliminate deaths and serious injuries across London’s transport network as part of TfL’s Vision Zero commitments.
London Trams new fleet will replace the oldest vehicles which have been in use for nearly a quarter of a century. They are reaching the end of their design life and are becoming less reliable. If TfL exercises its option, the trams will replace the remaining trams introduced from 2012.
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