The NSW Government has confirmed that it is looking to procure driverless trains to serve its new North West Rail Link.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today revealed tender documents outlining plans for a fully-automated train control system for the new 23km rail link between Epping and Sydney’s North West district.
Berejiklian said: “Fully-automated train technology has been in use around the world for 30 years, keeping customers safe and ensuring rapid transit systems like the one we are building operate fast and efficiently, while catering for future growth.
“Automated systems deliver safe, efficient and reliable train services in global cities like London and Barcelona, with even higher levels of automation in Paris, Singapore and Dubai – and now Sydney will also finally have its own world-class network.
She added: “Over the past two years we have been talking closely with the community and industry experts about the North West Rail Link and the feedback has been clear: Sydney wants – and needs – a modern, fast, reliable rail network and this is the best way to deliver it.”
Two consortia are in the running for the operations, trains and systems contract, which is due to be awarded in the second half of 2014. Northwest Rapid Transit – which includes MTR, John Holland, Leighton Contractors, UGL Rail Services, Plenary Group – and TransForm – which is made up of Serco, Bombardier Transportation, SNC-Lavalin Capital, McConnell Dowell Constructors, John Laing Investments, Macquarie Capital Group – have both been shortlisted.
