Firms urged to apply for new rail supply contracts

BUSINESSES are being encouraged to bid for supply contract opportunities worth £50m annually from the Wales & Borders rail franchise and delivery of the next phase of the south-east Wales Metro project.

The new rail franchise was awarded by the Welsh Government’s at-arm’slength transport body Transport for Wales to KeolisAmey over the summer. The 15-year franchise took effect last month.

For branding purposes, the franchise and work on electrification of the core Valley lines, which is not expected to start until late next year at the earliest, is being delivered by Transport for Wales Rail Services and not KeolisAmey.

It has organised meet the buyer events in Bangor (November 13) and Newbridge (November 15) in partnership with the Welsh Government business support arm BusinessWales.

Supply contracts available include station clean, rail replacement buses and train spares.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: “These events provide companies with opportunities to meet contractors, speak to buyers, obtain a better understanding of what will be required and get ready to put themselves forward for serious consideration.”

The registration deadline for both events is this Friday. For details call 03000 6 03000 or visit wales.businessevents.org.uk