Latest Rail News

04.08.17

TfGM starts search for Metrolink renewals and enhancements partners

TfGM has today announced that it is taking a “very different approach” to its procurement strategy as it announced the start of the competition for Metrolink Renewals and Enhancements Framework contracts.

The light rail operator is looking to partner with between three and five suppliers per lot to deliver a number of improvements to the network in Greater Manchester, including in signalling systems and communications, civil and structural and power.

It also added that a framework agreement for the delivery of works had been created to create a direct route to market to meet the emerging requirements for renewals and enhancements of the network and within other TfGM owned of managed infrastructure.

The framework will be split into the following lots: (a) Strategic Lot (1) – Multi-disciplinary (b) Specialist Lot (2a) – Civil and Structural (c) Specialist Lot (2b) – Buildings (d) Specialist Lot (2c) – Permanent Way (e) Specialist Lot (2d) – Power (f) Specialist Lot (2e) – Signalling, systems and communications.

It is estimated that the contracts will start from 1 March 2018, and will run for five years until 28 February 2023.

“As a result of a change in our contracting strategy, we are taking a very different approach to our management of the renewal and enhancement programme of the largest urban rail network in the UK, Metrolink,” said Frank Tudor, head of procurement at TfGM.

“We are tendering to select our partners in a range of categories for the next five years. If you are a company with a strong delivery track record, with a desire to help renew and improve the Metrolink network.

“If you have worked with TfGM or our supply chain partners or have indeed never worked with us but know you can make a difference then this opportunity is for you.”

This latest development further highlights TfGM’s innovative plans for the GM area. Earlier this year, Amanda White, the organisation’s head of rail, discussed the organisation’s ambitions to take over and improve rail stations across the region’s network.

In that interview, White explained that new proposals looked to give TfGM full local accountability for its stations and assets, something which she said would improve passenger experience and service quality.

“We view stations as the missing piece in our transport jigsaw, with unrealised potential for integration, social inclusion and regeneration,” she said. “Rail could once again take its rightful place as a preferred mode of public transport with stations under local control.”

White will be going into further details of the plans at TransCityRail, hosted by RTM at the Principal Hotel, Oxford Road Manchester on 5 October 2017.

To view the agenda, click here, and to book your place, you can get in contact with the team on 0161 833 6320 or by email.

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.

Comments

Mike   05/08/2017 at 17:19

TfGM should concentrate doing something about the appalling vandalism that is happening on the system. Before anything else. The tram stop I use Hollinwood is often a target. In the last six months the lifts have been out of order for most of the time. A cycle hub recently built, has had every window smashed and isn't used, also the park and ride facility is badly vandalised. When you complain no one seems to care.

Andrew Gwilt   06/08/2017 at 23:01

New proposals. As in new proposal for the expansion of the Metrolink to expand to other areas in Greater Manchester such as Stockport and the Wythenshaw Loop to Manchester Airport via Wythenshaw Town Centre. Metrolink is still the best and reliable team system for the City of Manchester and the surrounding areas in the Greater Manchester area including Manchester International Airport.

Mike   07/08/2017 at 19:49

Apart from the anti-social behaviour that plagues the system. I agree that Metrolink is a great asset for Gt. Manchester. We live in the Oldham area and a close relative is in The Christie being treated for cancer. The tram from Hollinwood Oldham, takes 40 minutes to Christies, which is a godsend if you cannot drive there. I hope the system expands in the future, for the benefit of other people.

Andrew   09/08/2017 at 02:27

Amanda White talks a good game and loves to give interviews, but has she really made any advancements for TfGM with regard to heavy rail?

Add your comment

related

Rail industry Focus

View all News

Comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >

'the sleepers' blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

Interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio 4's BBC’s flagship news programme that he would not rule out his organisation issuing future r... more >
Advancing the rail industry with management degree apprenticeships

08/05/2019Advancing the rail industry with management degree apprenticeships

In answering the pressing questions of how current and future generations of managers can provide solutions to high-profile infrastructure projects across the UK, Pearson Business School, part of... more >