28.04.14
LU pre-selects Thales to tender for SSR signalling
Thales looks set to deliver the new signalling system for the Circle, Hammersmith, District and Metropolitan lines (Sub-Surface Railway), after Bombardier lost the contract.
Bombardier won the original contract in June 2011, but it and London Underground (LU) made the decision “mutually” to re-let it at the end of last year.
It is anticipated that a new contract will be awarded this summer, and LU has confirmed that improvements remain on course to be delivered in 2018.
LU issued an OJEU at the beginning of this year asking for expressions of interest from the industry for a signalling system that can be implemented on to the SSR lines.
Thales, which has been installing the signalling on the Northern line, presented LU with a signalling solution that it says “would meet the intricate operational requirements of the oldest and most complex parts of the Tube network”.
LU stated that the next stage of the process is to work together with Thales to secure a firm commitment with a competitive cost, delivering value for money, and with a realistic and reliable commissioning programme.
Mike Brown MVO, managing director of LU, said: “This is an important step in ensuring that the delivery of this vital upgrade remains on course.
“The modernisation work will mean more frequent, more reliable and less crowded journeys for our customers and will help us meet rapidly growing customer demand.”
However, he added that LU will only enter in to a contract if it is “absolutely certain” that Londoners are getting value for money and if it has absolute confidence in the delivery schedule.
Bombardier retains its separate contract to deliver the new S-Stock trains, which will be introduced as part of the upgrade.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]