THE shortlisted bidders for a £400m contract to provide a new fleet for an upgraded and expanded Merseyside network have been announced.
Merseytravel said it had considered what should be done with its ageing fleet of trains, and its preparation of a business case included the possibility of further refurbishment.
However, it has concluded that new trains by the early 2020s are the best option to meet demand, which is growing by 2.5 per cent annually. It has been calculated that parts of the network could be significantly over capacity -- by as much as 60 per cent -- by 2043. It said the improvements could boost the region by £70 million a year, and create 1,000 jobs.
The five shortlisted companies are Bombardier, CAF, Mitsui, Siemens and Stadler, after the tender process was launched last October. The whole project includes new trains and also upgrades to stations, depots and the power supply. Extensions of Merseyrail services to such places as Warrington and Crewe are also possible.
Merseytravel chair Cllr Liam Robinson said: "We are extremely pleased that our project has attracted the interest of leading names in the industry.
“All our five candidates have extensive experience of providing trains, maintenance services and depots. They all have a strong international pedigree as well as a good track record here in the UK.
“This announcement marks an important next step in the project – keeping up the momentum and moving another step forward towards new trains on the Merseyrail network. Now we want the bidders to use their expertise to help shape our vision, demonstrating innovation and a real understanding of the importance of the network to the Liverpool City Region.
“A new fleet, and the associated works, is essential for providing services that people and business can rely on, as well as being a stimulus for further economic growth.
“As part of the process we’ll be interested in how the bidders may be able to tap into the local labour market and make the most of UK-based opportunities.”
The tender documents are due to be released on 22 January with bids due back by the end of April. Merseytravel expects to identify a preferred bidder by the end of the year, when city region leaders, through the Combined Authority, will be asked to commit themselves to the project.
Merseytravel said its plans have been developed to ensure that there will be no additional costs to local taxpayers, with costs recovered over the life of the new trains by leasing them to the commercial operator responsible for the Merseyrail network – currently Merseyrail Electrics. Merseytravel added that its initial investment will use 'a variety of funding mechanisms', including a rail reserve already established for the purpose.