Bombardier Transportation win new tram order for Manchester Metrolink
Bombardier Transportation will soon be helping to relieve congestion by moving people swiftly and comfortably around the busy conurbation of Greater Manchester in the UK.
The company, together with consortium partner Vossloh Kiepe, has been selected to supply up to 36 Bombardier FLEXITY Swift light rail vehicles for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executives (GMPTEs) Metrolink system. The first stage of the project includes an initial order of eight vehicles valued at approximately 37 million euros (50 million US) with Bombardiers share amounting to approximately 29 million euros (38 million US) and an option for up to 28 additional light rail vehicles. During
additional stages further options for up to another 61 vehicles are foreseen.
The first eight light rail vehicles are scheduled to be delivered between February and May 2009. As consortium leader Bombardier will design and manufacture the vehicles at its sites in Bautzen, Germany and Vienna, Austria. Bombardiers Siegen plant will be responsible for delivering the bogies and consortium partner Vossloh Kiepe will provide the electric equipment.
Colin Walton, Chairman of Bombardier Transportation UK, said: We are delighted to contribute to GMPTEs plans in increasing the attractiveness of public transport services and to be able to positively influence mobility for people travelling within and around Manchester. This order confirms the confidence in Bombardier as a supplier of reliable urban transport solutions and the appreciation of our tram and light rail vehicle portfolio. In the U.K. our technically mature and efficient vehicles are already in daily revenue service in London-Docklands, London-Croydon and Nottingham, commented Walter Grawenhoff, President Light Rail Vehicles, Bombardier Transportation.
David Leather, Interim Chief Executive of GMPTE, said: Were planning to invest more than£100 million on improvements to the existing Metrolink network over the next few years. Passengers now make around 55,000 journeys on Metrolink every day and the eight new trams will tackle overcrowding at peak times, as well as improving the reliability and performance of the service. The new generation of trams will help to transform Metrolink and were planning to introduce them to the network during 2009. Weve also secured more than half a billion pounds to expand the network and we expect to be able to place an order for more trams in the near future.
The new Manchester vehicles are based on the FLEXITY Swift family of light rail vehicles which are already in successful revenue service throughout Europe including Cologne and Bonn (Germany), Stockholm (Sweden) and the Netherlands. The 28.4 metre long light rail vehicles with a width of 2.65 metres offer a capacity for 200 passengers. Wide double-doors ensure a rapid passenger flow and multi-purpose areas provide space for pushchairs or wheel-chair users.
