Bombardier Transportation has been shortlisted for a $1 billion signalling and communication systems contract as part of a consortium with CPB Contractors.
The other shortlisted bidder for the Metro Tunnel Rail Systems Alliance (RSA) is the MetroConnect consortium of John Holland, Siemens and UGL.
They’ll be asked to submit a formal proposal by early next year, with a contract expected to be awarded later in the year.
The successful bidder will install high-capacity signalling (HCS) on the new Sunbury to Pakenham line that will run through the Metro Tunnel.
It will be the first roll-out of HCS on an existing network anywhere in Australia as part of the largest public transport project in Victoria’s history.
“The world’s best have been shortlisted to deliver the biggest and most advanced signalling package in Victoria’s history,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.
“The successful bidder will install next generation signalling, which will allow safer, more frequent and reliable services in and out of the city in peak hour.”
Ms Allan said the advanced technology would allow up to 30 services an hour to run, with the potential to create the two-minute services experienced in some of the biggest cities in the world.
A Centre of Excellence will be established in Victoria as part of the project to support skills, jobs and opportunities in the rail signalling and communications industry.
“The Centre for Excellence will provide skills, jobs and opportunities to local workers in the growing rail signalling industry,” Ms Allan said.
