HS2 has started the procurement process for the design and supply of its Automated People Mover (APM) in the West Midlands. Alongside the design and process contracts, a 25-year transport operation and maintenance contract will be up for grabs.
The APM will move passengers and visitor’s between HS2’s Interchange station and Birmingham Airport. It’ll also make stops at Birmingham International and the NEC as well.
It’ll run on an elevated 2.2km long viaduct, and at its highest point reach 14 metres and will cross the NEC, West Coast Main Line and M42 Motorway and will be a key part of HS2’s West Midlands connectivity. The APM it is estimated will be carrying up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction on a journey that will take six minutes.
Shortlisted companies will be invited to tender early next year, with the contract due to be awarded towards the end of 2024.
The search for the APM Infrastructure contract will start later this year, with invitations to tender in 2025 and contract award in 2026.
HS2’s procurement and supply chain director, Andrew Cubitt, said: “We’re pleased to be starting the procurement process for the APM Systems Contract, which is worth up to £270m*.
“The APM is a vital piece of infrastructure in the HS2 project, connecting high speed rail passengers to the classic rail network, and supporting the shift from car use to public, mass transit transport, which is so important in achieving the UK’s target of net zero carbon.”
The Midlands will play a key role in the HS2 project with work set to begin at the Delta Junction AND Water Orton Viaducts beginning construction shortly alongside interchanges at both Birmingham International and Curzon Street.
Five trains an hour will be passing through the Interchange station in both directions which the APM will connect to and it is hoped that the surrounding area will support up to 70,000 jobs.
*The APM System Procurement value of £270m represents a capital investment of £65m and an estimate of £205m for the cost of operation and maintenance over 25 years at 3Q 2024 prices.
Photo Credit: HS2
