16.11.12
Southern announces major rolling stock procurement
Southern is to order an extra 40 Electrostar carriages from Bombardier at Derby, and is “developing proposals” with the DfT for a new procurement competition for 116 new electric (dual voltage) vehicles, with an option for a further 100.
The procurement of 40 new carriages, for an expected £60m, extends the £188m deal signed at the end of last year for 130 new carriages.
The overall scope of the announcement is a clear indication of how delays in the Thameslink rolling stock procurement process with Siemens are having knock-on effects on other parts of the network. If planned cascades are disrupted because electric stock needs to be kept in the south, the north west could be left with electrified lines but diesel stock, which would be very embarrassing for the DfT. Other trains currently serving the Thameslink route are expected to be cascaded to the GWML.
The 116 new trains are unlikely to enter service until after the Southern franchise is merged with Thameslink in 2015. Southern said: “The new rolling stock will be of dual voltage configuration and is required to operate up to 110 mph. Any rolling stock manufacturer registered on the rail Link-Up system would be able to compete for this opportunity.”
The 40 carriages will be used in five-car formation, with dual voltage configuration and are estimated to cost £60m. Expected delivery is 2014, with service entry that December. Porterbrook Leasing is the preferred bidder to arrange the financing of both the initial 130 and further 40 carriages.
Southern stated the new rolling stock would enable additional capacity on its network, as well as address the wider rolling stock needs of the country.
Southern managing director Chris Burchell said: “I am pleased that Southern is able to assist the Department in introducing additional capacity. The potential new order for 116 carriages will be exciting news for train manufacturers and for passengers.”
Simon Burns told MPs in October about the delays to the Thameslink contract: “Department officials are working with Siemens to secure financial close early in the new year for the new trains for Thameslink. I am aware of the consequences of failing to conclude the procurement and as you would expect, my Department is closely monitoring progress, including assessing options were it not possible to secure financial close.”
A DfT spokesman told the Derby Telegraph: “We welcome this announcement of Southern’s intention to take up the option for 40 rolling stock vehicles under their existing contract with Bombardier train builders. If this goes ahead, it will provide extra capacity for railway passengers and more work for Bombardier and its Derby workforce. We also look forward to working with Southern in developing further procurement opportunities for the rail industry.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]
Image c. Rui Vieira/PA Wire