The Queensland Government has shortlisted three train manufacturers to enter the next phase of the Rollingstock Expansion Program (REP) – set to add up to 65 additional six-car trains to the state’s rail network over the next 10 years.
Train manufacturers Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail have been shortlisted to manufacture the first 20 trains of the new fleet in a purpose-built Maryborough manufacturing facility.
The announcement follows an extensive Expression of Interest process run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), with strict probity requirements to ensure it was fair and competitive.
Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the program delivers a $1 billion guaranteed pipeline of train building work in Maryborough.
“This $1 billion pipeline is critical to Queensland’s economic recovery, and will ensure there are efficient and reliable services for our growing train network for Cross River Rail and beyond,” Mr Bailey said.
Following the delivery of the initial fleet of 20 six-car Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), there is an option for a further 45 EMUs to be built over the next ten years.
The Rollingstock Expansion Program is being developed in conjunction with the Cross River Rail program, which will be adding 10.2 kilometres of rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills by 2025/26 to meet the demands of the region’s growing population.
It is predicted that South East Queensland will be home to an extra 1.9 million people by 2041, with the total regional population growing to around 5.3 million.
The shortlisting marks an important milestone for the Rollingstock Expansion Program and ensures there is a competitive field of world class manufacturers as Queensland enters a new era of train manufacturing.
The contract for the train manufacturing is expected to be awarded in 2022.
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