EOI for New Trams
  Chris Gordon

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/premier/eoi-for-manufacture-and-supply-of-50-new-trams.html

EOI FOR MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF 50 NEW TRAMS

Plans for Melbourne?s new tram fleet have gathered steam with Premier
John Brumby today announcing the Victorian Government will seek
expressions of interest from industry for up to 50 new low floor trams.

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Transport Plan pledged $1 billion for a
new tram fleet which will be capable of moving as many as 10,000
people at any one time.

?Melbourne?s trams are an iconic symbol of our city and much loved by
commuters and tourists alike. I?m pleased to announce today that we
have moved onto the next stage for delivering a new tram fleet,? Mr
Brumby said.

?This investment forms a key element of the $38 billion Victorian
Transport Plan which will generate up 100,000 jobs over the life of
the plan.

?We are going to the industry to seek interest for the production of
the new tram fleet as quickly as possible to serve the growing tram
patronage.

?And importantly we will be looking to secure and create new jobs with
local content one of the key evaluation criteria to be addressed by
potential bidders.

?We require that at least 40 per cent of the total contract must
include local content in line with the Victorian Industry
Participation Policy.?

In the 12 months to March 2009, tram patronage grew by 15 per cent to
178 million trips.

Mr Brumby made the announcement while inspecting works at the $34.9
million upgrade of North Melbourne station with Public Transport
Minister Lynne Kosky.

?The redevelopment of the station is progressing very well with no
disruption to rail services for a project that will improve passenger
amenity at one of our busiest stations,? Ms Kosky said.

?Right across Melbourne, the Brumby Labor Government is taking action
to deliver Victorians the best transport network in Australia. We are
adding more trains, buses and today we are announcing we?re in the
market for new trams.

?These trams will be designed to maximise passenger comfort and ensure
increased capacity for peak times and the low-floor design will
increase accessibility in accordance with Disability Discrimination
Act (DDA) standards.

?The improved design features will ensure getting on and off the tram
is easier and quicker for all passengers, improving service efficiency
for the entire tram network.??

The EOI documents will be available at www.tenders.vic.gov.au from
Wednesday, 8 July, 2009 and will close on Thursday, 20 August, 2009.

The new trams will start to be delivered in 2012.