18.03.15
£6m innovative Train Operator Competition opens for bids
A competition has been launched by the FutureRailway programme to address key challenges faced by UK train operating companies (TOCs).
Building on last year’s railway operator challenge competition (ROCC), TOC’15 is offering £6m to co-fund innovative services, processes, designs and technology from proof of concept, to working operational prototype, and beyond.
Proposals from industry are being sought that actively contribute to the 4C industry targets outlined in the Rail Technical Strategy (RTS). These include: Improving Customer experience and Capacity whilst reducing Cost and Carbon.
Rail minister Claire Perry said: “Innovation is vital to the rail industry as passenger numbers and customer expectations continue to rise. Harnessing the latest technology and being creative in customer service hold the key to staying competitive.
“That’s why along with investing record amounts in rail infrastructure as part of our long term economic plan, we are providing £6m this year to encourage train operators to collaborate with each other and their supply chains to come up with projects that will transform the industry and make it ready for future challenges.”
FutureRailway added that the competition is now officially open for applications and the brief can be downloaded here.
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