Aim to better connect communities
Firms line up with bids to build £5bn metro route
FOUR bidders have been confirmed to build the core part of the South Wales Metro as well as running the next Wales and Borders rail franchise.
It is the biggest procurement exercise ever seen in Wales – the value of which could run to £5bn when you factor in Welsh Government subsidy support over the next 15 years and beyond.
Transport for Wales has confirmed that Arriva Rail Wales, Abellio Rail Cymru, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporation (Cymru) have come through the first phase of the procurement process which went live over the summer.
The four bidders now have until December 19 to come up with detailed outline solutions for the next phase of the Metro, with electrification of the core Valley Lines, in which they will also specify what mode of transport – whether tram or heavy rail – it would seek to operate.
The bidders will be investing millions on their detailed bids, which will also include plans of how they would deliver proposed future phases of the Metro network beyond the Valley and Vale of Glamorgan lines, including a North Wales Metro.
The procurement process from not-for-profit Transport for Wales, which is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government, is seeking to deliver a quality and reliable railway service that is at heart of an integrated transport system across the country.
It could oversee £7bn of investment.
The aim for the franchise and the Metro is not only to boost the economy, but better connect communities and improve access to education and healthcare provision.
The bidders will be invited to submit final tenders next July, with a contract awarded in early 2018 – ahead of the new 15-year rail franchise starting in the October.