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.
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