‘Innovation and creativity’ key to bids for £2.75 billion HS2 train contract

HS2 Ltd officially started the competition for the £2.75 billion contract for around 60 new trains for HS2 on April 20.

The successful bidder will design, build and maintain the fleet. The trains will be classic compatible, meaning they will be able to run on the existing network, as well as Phase 1 between London Euston and Birmingham.

HS2 Ltd said hundreds of jobs will be created by the contract, and that it will work with the supply chain creating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. The intention to announce the award had been made in January ( RAIL 819).

“Britain’s new railway will carry over 300,000 people a day, improve connections between our great cities, free up space on our existing rail lines, generate jobs and help us build an economy that works for all,” said Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling.

“But what will make HS2’’s reputation from day one will be its trains. It is a given that we want the trains to be comfortable, reliable and a pleasure to use, meeting the highest standards internationally for passenger experience, noise reduction and environmental sustainability.

“But companies interested in bidding for the train contract need to push the boundaries. We want to see innovation, creativity and ambition.

“The construction of these trains will also leave a legacy for this country, boosting skills, generating employment and strengthening the manufacturing supply chain.”

HS2 Ltd’s Managing Director of Rail Operations Chris Rayner said the project represented a “once in a lifetime change to rebalance the nation’s economy”.

He added: “It will transform travel in this country, connecting eight of the ten largest cities in the UK when completed, as well as improving capacity for customers and productivity for the economy.”

He said the priorities and needs of the passengers were at the centre of its thinking, and that it wanted every aspect of travelling on HS2 to “exceed expectations”.

The trains will be maintained at a dedicated depot at Washwood Heath, which will also be home to the HS2 Network Control Centre.

The contract to provide the initial fleet of trains will be awarded as a single package. Invitations to Tender are expected to be issued to shortlisted bidders in spring 2018, with the contract awarded in late 2019.

Future contracts will be added to the fleet for the second phase of the project in 2033.