Preferred tenderer for new Queensland trains

The delivery of 75 new six-car trains for the Queensland fleet is a step closer with Bombardier NGR Consortium being announced as the preferred tenderer.

Premier Campbell Newman said the fleet would be a boost to public transport and would be built to operate on the new and innovative Underground Bus and Train project.

“The New Generation Rollingstock project is the largest order of new trains in Queensland and lives up to this Government’s election promise to deliver better planning and infrastructure,” Mr Newman said.

“Unlike the previous Labor government we are committed to increasing capacity on our growing network not driving people away by slugging them with 15 per cent fare increases.

“The day after announcing one of the most innovative public transport solutions in the world, we are getting on with the job of delivering a new passenger fleet to travel on the steeper slopes needed for the Underground Bus and Train project.”

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Government was securing the best deal for Queensland by using an availability payment public-private partnership finance option.

“There has been a rigorous procurement process with tenderers having to demonstrate value for money and innovation in their bids,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The project team has entered into negotiations with the Bombardier NGR Consortium, comprising Bombardier Transportation Australia, John Laing, ITOCHU Corporation and Uberior.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said all 75 trains were to be delivered and in service by December 2018 boosting the existing train fleet to meet the growing demand for rail services in south-east Queensland.

“The contract includes purchasing 75 new six-car trains, maintenance of the trains for a period of around 30 years, and construction and maintenance of a modern, purpose-built maintenance centre at Wulkuraka in Ipswich,” Mr Emerson said.

“The contract will be finalised in the coming months with the testing of the first completed train expected to commence in late 2015.”

Transport and Main Roads is delivering the project in partnership with Projects Queensland.

[ENDS] 18 November 2013

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