Shortlist for billion-dollar signaling system on Metro Tunnel

The Victorian Government has announced that two consortia have been shortlisted to deliver up to $1 billion worth of signaling and communications systems as part of the state’s largest public transport project – the Metro Tunnel

The shortlisted bidders for the Metro Tunnel Raul Systems Alliance are a consortium comprising CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation, and the MetroConnect consortium comprising John Holland, Siemens and UGL.

The successful bidder will install high capacity signaling (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.

HCS will allow trains to safely run faster and closer together, meaning more trains and less travel time for passengers. The advanced technology will mean we can run up to 30 services an hour – with the potential to create the true ‘turn-up-and-go’ two-minute services experienced in some of the biggest cities in the world.

As part of the project, a world-leading Centre of Excellence will be established in Victoria, supporting local skills, jobs and opportunities in the growing rail signaling and communications industry.

Shortlisted bidders for the RSA will be asked to submit a formal proposal by early 2017, with a contract expected to be awarded later that year.