Provision of Train Driver Advisory System

Tender description

Translink, comprising of Northern Ireland Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus, is the all-embracing title for integrated public transport operations in Northern Ireland. Translink operate a fleet of 45 trains, approximately 1400 buses and coaches. The train fleet includes 23 off 3 car Class 3000 Diesel Multiple Units which entered service in 2004/2005. Standalone Driver Advisory System (S-DAS) Project Class 3000 trains were built by CAF Spain and entered service with NI Railways in 2004 and 2005. There are 23 trains, each comprising 3 car Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). Each 3 car unit includes two driving vehicles, each equipped with a driver’s cab. Since these trains went into service the cost of fuel has continued to escalate. NI Railways believe that there is significant scope to reduce the fuel consumption of these trains by using technology to enable operation of the trains to an idealised speed profile on each route. This technology, supported by appropriate train driver training, is required to deliver at least a 5% reduction in fuel consumption across the Class 3000 fleet. NI Railways have reviewed existing technology and are of the firm view that S-DAS is the most appropriate technology to support delivery of the required fuel consumption savings. The scope is for Design (configuration), supply, implementation and support of an S-DAS. The system is expected to be based on an existing product with only limited customisation. Supply and support of a Driver Advisory System (DAS) for 23 off Class 3000 DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units). These trains were manufactured by CAF in 2003/04 and have 3 cars per Unit, 2 cabs per unit. They are operated on the N.I.Railways network within Northern Ireland and cross border between Belfast and Dublin. The system will include a processing unit, GPS location, driver display, a base station and communication links. It is envisaged that this will be a stand-alone system but may have some train system interfaces.