Network Rail, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), European Train Control System (ETCS) GRIP 4 -8 Framework Award

Following the issue of Prior Information Notice References 2021/S 000-011765 & 2021/S 000-020258, and subsequent market engagement events which took place week commencing 21st June 2021 and week commencing 13th September 2021, Network Rail now intends to commence a competitive procurement process to award a Framework Contract to a single contractor for the delivery of ETCS on TRU.

The purpose of the TRU programme is to deliver improvements to connectivity and capacity on the route between Manchester Victoria and Selby / York via Huddersfield and Leeds. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed its high-level strategic outcomes for the Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme to be as follows:

1. Leeds to Manchester Victoria target journey time of 43 minutes with 1 stop.
2. York to Manchester Victoria target journey time of 67 minutes with 2 stops.
3. Capacity to deliver the Indicative Train Service Specification, (ITSS) v1.2.
4. Capability to operate:

• 8 x 24m vehicles for InterCity services,
• 6 x 24m maximum for local services.

5. Achieve a reduction of Average Minutes Lateness of 50% compared to the current base case.
6. Performance of 92.5% of the specified train services shall arrive at four key stations within 0-5mins of the timetabled arrival time.

ETCS Contractor Requirements

The ETCS contractor appointed under this procurement procedure will be required to support each of the above outcomes through delivery of elements of an ETCS system* capable of delivering Indicative Train Service Specification (ITSS) v1.2 and its associated timetable. The supplier will also be responsible for the full technical integration and entry into service of the final complete ETCS system.

As noted previously, the initial focus for the work will be in the West of Leeds area (Manchester Victoria to Leeds), with transitions west of Stalybridge and at Cottingley , controlled from the relevant Rail Operating Centre (ROC).

• Radio Block Centre (RBC), balises and signage which will be required to interface to existing computer based interlockings and associated retained conventional lineside infrastructure and visual display unit-based signalling control systems. Please note: Applicants will be required to supply interfaces with the existing computer based interlockings at no cost to Network Rail in order that Network Rail may comply with the Regulations, in particular the duty to treat each Applicant equally.