Five rolling stock manufacturers have been shortlist to proceed to the next stage of procurement for the contract to build the next generation of Merseyrail trains.
The shortlist includes Bombardier, CAF, Mitsui; which has partnered with Japan’s J-Trec and Alstom, Siemens and Stadler.
Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said: “All of our five candidates have extensive experience of providing trains, maintenance services and depots. They all have a strong international pedigree as well as a good track record here in the UK.
“This announcement marks an important next step in the project – keeping up the momentum and moving another step forward towards new trains on the Merseyrail network.
“Now we want the bidders to use their expertise to help shape our vision, demonstrating innovation and a real understanding of the importance of the network to the Liverpool City Region.”
The shortlist bidders now have until the end of April to supply detailed submissions for the project. A preferred bidder will be announced by the end of the year.
Merseytravel estimates the project will cost around £400 million, including the associated infrastructure improvements.
Well it depends on which bidder could win the Contract to build new trains for Merseyrail to replace the ageing Class 507 and Class 508 trains.