Public transport services by railways

Tender description

In November 2016 a tram overturned in Croydon, London. The Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB) made several recommendations to the UK tram industry. One recommendation is to research and then install a system to prevent a tram over speeding at high risk locations whilst another recommendation is to research and install a system to monitor the attentiveness of the tram driver and act if low attentiveness is detected. Following work completed by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) on behalf of the industry, TfGM are now ready to begin their own market sounding exercise to gain a better understanding of the technology and systems currently available to address these two recommendations. Participation in this market sounding exercise is voluntary, and this exercise is entirely separate from any subsequent procurement activity. Participation in this market sounding will not affect the opportunity for suppliers to participate in any subsequent procurement and will not form part of any future procurement assessment or selection process. On the 9th of November 2016 a tram crashed at Sandilands, Croydon. The subsequent investigation by the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB) made several recommendations applicable to the wider industry. TfGM have been supporting the wider industry on understanding the impact of these recommendations. There are two recommendations that, if actioned, will require investment by TfGM to modify the Metrolink system. Recommendation 3 requires UK tram systems to be fitted with a system to automatically reduce tram speeds if they approach higher risk locations at speeds which could result in derailment or overturning. Recommendation 4 requires UK tram systems to research and evaluate systems capable of detecting the driver’s attention state and initiate an appropriate response if a low level of alertness is detected. If an effective system is found a time bound plan should be developed to introduce such a system. Following the work completed by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) on behalf of the industry, TfGM are now ready to begin their own market sounding exercise to gain a better understanding of the capabilities of systems currently available on the market that will address recommendation 3 and 4. Participation in this market sounding exercise is voluntary, and this exercise is entirely separate from any subsequent procurement activity. Participation in this market sounding will not affect the opportunity for suppliers to participate in any subsequent procurement and will not form part of any future procurement assessment or selection process. As the process will be managed through the Pro Contract ePortal Interested parties should: • express interest via the ePortal. (Reference DN477656) • email via the ePortal (question section for DN477656) confirming interest and provide current prime Pro Contract user’s email address. Following expression of Interest and supporting email TfGM will issue, via the ePortal, supplementary documentation and a supplier questionnaire which should be returned via the ePortal, by the date noted within the questionnaire. Following review of returned questionnaires TfGM will look to hold supplier engagement sessions either directly or virtually at a date to be mutually agreed.