16.07.14
TfL reveals rolling stock manufacturer shortlist
Transport for London (TfL) has revealed its shortlist of four bidders to supply new rolling stock on London Overground routes out of Liverpool Street station and to replace current two-car diesel trains on the Gospel Oak to Barking route.
The companies could be called the ‘big four’ in European train manufacturing: Siemens, Hitachi, CAF of Spain, and Bombardier Transportation.
Although the successful bidder will not be announced until spring 2015, TfL has stated that the eventual winner will be asked to supply 39 new four-car, electric, metro-style trains to operate high-frequency, high-capacity suburban services in and around London.
In particular, 31 new trains will operate on routes recently devolved from the West Anglia franchise to TfL, which run between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford as well as the Romford to Upminster route.
Additionally, eight of the electric units will be allocated to the Gospel Oak to Barking service to replace the current two-carriage diesel trains and alleviate congestion as well as provide a more environmentally friendly rail service.
Mike Brown, TfL’s managing director of London Rail, said: “New and reliable trains have been a key contributor to the huge success of London Overground since TfL took over the management of Silverlink Metro services in 2007.
“We welcome the wide international interest from the rolling stock market in bidding for this order and look forward to engaging with the chosen manufacturers to define a standard that will set a new benchmark for TfL for many years to come.”
(Image: c. TfL)
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