Provision of Technical Support Services for METRONET Rollingstock Delivery

1. 1. Background

The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Transperth urban passenger rail system and the Transwa regional rail system.

The Transperth rail network was electrified in 1989, and the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) railcars known as the A-Series commenced operations in 1990. In 2007, the New MetroRail project included the introduction of a new generation of EMU railcars known as the B Series.

The current diesel multiple unit (DMU) railcars used for the “Australind” Transwa regional service between Perth and Bunbury commenced operations in 1987. This train set has been in continual use since then and is nearing the end of its operational life.

Under the WA State Government’s METRONET program, a number of new railway lines, stations, line extensions, and other supporting infrastructure are being delivered. Among the METRONET program is the METRONET Railcar Procurement Project (Project) which includes the design and delivery of a new generation of EMU railcars known as the “C Series” and new DMU “Australind” railcars.

The total order of C-Series to be delivered under the Project is 246 railcars, to be configured as 41 x 6-car trainsets. The new Australind railcars to be delivered under the Project will consist of 2 x 3-car train sets. In December 2019, following a competitive tendering process, Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd (Alstom) was appointed by the PTA for the design, supply and maintenance (DSM) of the new C Series and Australind DMU railcars.

In 2021, the PTA completed construction of a Railcar Assembly Facility and Railcar High Voltage (HV) Testing Facility located in Bellevue for use by Alstom in delivering the new railcars. In addition to the Bellevue facilities, the PTA’s existing Nowergup Depot, as well as the mainline electrified rail network, will also be utilised for testing and commissioning of the new railcars.

To support delivery of the new EMU and DMU railcars, the PTA requires the services of a suitably qualified, competent, and experienced Consultant to provide Technical Support Services for the METRONET Rollingstock Delivery.

1. 1. Scope of Services

Technical Support Services for the METRONET Rollingstock Delivery are required in the form of a Consultant to assist the Project team in the following areas:

• A comprehensive standards review to ensure that the DSM Agreement with Alstom incorporates the latest applicable rollingstock standards. This includes a comparative review of the latest standards against the standards referenced by PTA’s technical specifications and secondly, a review of alternative standards and justification proposed, if any, by Alstom;
• Responding to technical queries raised during the design, supply, manufacturing, and commissioning phases of the Project;
• Providing PTA with technical support as and when required during design review meetings arranged by Alstom for the Project;
• Partake in Safety in Design workshops arranged by Alstom and/or the Independent Safety Assessor as and when required by the PTA;
• Assist the PTA as and when required with the review of submissions related to PTA specific operational requirements for the Project. The submissions could be in the form of design/engineering specifications, design documentation and reports, and commissioning procedures and reports;
• Witnessing of inspection and tests during the supply/manufacturing and commissioning phase of the Project as and when required by the PTA;
• Assist the PTA as and when required with the review of management plans produced by Alstom for the Project;
• Assist the PTA as and when required with the review of designs produced by Alstom for the Project;
• Provide advice to the PTA on technical aspects of requests for variations to the DSM Agreement submitted by Alstom; and
• Provide, upon request by the PTA, suitably qualified and experienced personnel to fill PTA Project Engineer roles.

The Consultant will be required to provide technical support services and advice within the passenger rollingstock discipline and related engineering disciplines. Subject matter areas requiring technical support may cover the following, including but not limited to:

• Vehicle body including crashworthiness;
• Vehicle fit out;
• Interior appointments;
• Running gear;
• Power systems;
• Control apparatus for train operations;
• Auxiliary systems;
• Monitoring and safety systems;
• Lighting;
• Heating ventilation and air-conditioning;
• Ancillary systems;
• Doors and entrances;
• Information systems;
• Pneumatic systems;
• Braking systems;
• Vehicle linkage devices;
• Carrier systems/enclosures;
• Electrical systems; and
• Railcar maintenance.

The initial contract term is for two (2) years. There will be two (2) extension options, each one (1) year in duration, available to be exercised at the absolute discretion of the PTA.