Bombardier has been awarded a $258-million (U.S.) contract as part of a broader $1.04-billion agreement to build a light rail transit system in Queensland, Australia, the Quebec-based aerospace and railway systems manufacturer said Wednesday.
Bombardier Transportation, the Berlin-based division of Bombardier Inc., said the contract between the Queensland government and the GoldLinQ consortium involves an 18-year private, public partnership.
The Gold Coast Rapid Transit system is designed to deliver a world-class public transport service capable of handling 50,000 passengers a day with a in-built capacity to expand to 75,000 passenger per day.
Sixteen stations are planned for the 13-kilometre light rail corridor, which will serve the new Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University and the fast growing commercial, retail and recreational centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Passenger services are scheduled to start in 2014.
The GoldLinQ consortium includes: Bombardier Transportation for the electrical and mechanical system scope; leading construction and civil contractor McConnell Dowell for the civil works; global public transport operator Keolis and Australian road and rail services business Downer EDI who have formed KDR (Keolis Downer EDI Rail) for the operations and maintenance; and Plenary Group, financial arranger and commercial adviser.
Bombardier Transportation will design and supply the system-wide engineering and mechanical elements, including 14, 45-metre-long Flexity 2 light rail vehicles, plus signalling and control systems, communication systems, electrification including traction power supply substations and overhead line equipment.
It will also provide project management, systems engineering and integration, testing and commissioning for the new LRVs and signalling system.
At the depot, Bombardier Transportation will provide depot and plant equipment required for LRV and rail system maintenance. In addition, Bombardier Transportation will provide vehicle maintenance for a period of 15 years. KDR will undertake the wayside maintenance.
"The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project is an important milestone in Bombardier's long-term plan to grow its presence and broaden its local skill base in Australia," said Bombardier's chief representative for Australia, Ban Osborne.
"For the Gold Coast, Bombardier's latest generation of Flexity 2 light rail vehicles will support the lifestyle and mobility needs of the people and communities across the region, providing a safe, accessible, sustainable transport option and offering the public a real alternative to car travel."
More than 1,700 Flexity trams are already in service and Bombardier Transportation has more than 3,500 trams and light rail vehicles operating or on order in cities across Europe, Australia and North America.