The search has started today (20 January 2017) for a company to design, build and maintain a fleet of high speed trains for Britain’s proposed HS2 network.
Up to 60 high specification trains to transport passengers at about 225mph on the service are needed. The contract is worth £2.75bn and will be awarded in 2019.
"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," said transport secretary Chris Grayling.
"Hundreds of jobs will be created in building and maintaining these trains, representing a great opportunity for British based businesses and suppliers.
"In total 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships will be created during HS2 construction and we have held discussions with UK suppliers to make sure they are in the best possible position to win contracts."
With Royal Assent for the Phase One hybrid Bill expected shortly and building work due to start on the Birmingham to London section of HS2 in the spring, 2017 will mean HS2 moves from planning to construction.
The contract will be awarded in 2019 with the winning bidders going on to supply a brand new fleet of up to 60 trains which will provide services capable of seating more than 1,000 passengers.
The successful bidder will also maintain the fleet from the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath in Birmingham. The site will also be home to the HS2 Network Control Centre which will together create hundreds of skilled jobs.
Future contracts will add to this fleet, to provide trains for the second phase of the project, in 2033.
Chris Rayner, HS2 Ltd managing director for railway operations, said: "We are looking for a supplier who is capable of delivering and maintaining some of the world's most advanced rolling stock, with designs putting the passenger at their heart to ensure seamless, accessible, fast and reliable journeys.
"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."
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