The government said up to 60 high specification trains are needed to transport passengers at around 225mph on Britain’s new high speed rail service.
The trains are for the first phase of the HS2 project, due to open in 2026 and run between London and Birmingham. The contract will be awarded in 2019, with winning bidders also expected to maintain the fleet from the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
On Friday the Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) was published, pre-advising the formal start of the process in spring this year. An industry event will then take place on 27 March for companies to find out more.
This will be followed by the launch of the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) pack which will provide further details of the specifications for the trains, and then bidders will be shortlisted and the formal invitations to tender issued in 2018.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Launching the hunt for a manufacturer of these trains is a major step towards Britain getting a new railway which will carry over 300,000 people a day, improve connections between our great cities, generate jobs, and helping us build an economy that works for all.
“Hundreds of jobs will be created in building and maintaining these trains, representing a great opportunity for British based businesses and suppliers.”
Chris Rayner, HS2 Managing Director - Railway Operations, added: “Starting from 2026, our trains will be used by tens of thousands of people every day, bringing the benefits of high speed rail not only to the core network, but also onward to places like Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan.”
Future contracts will add to the fleet, to provide trains for the second phase of the project, in 2033.
