KiwiRail takes significant step towards buying Auckland's new electric trains KiwiRail has taken the first significant step towards delivering Auckland's new electric trains, by alerting prospective suppliers to the project and the processes and timetable around it.

The alert comes in the form of an industry engagement document released today and posted on the Government GETS website, proposing a two-stage tender process. This provides for a contract to be finalised by the first quarter of 2011, with the delivery of the first units to follow two years later.

The Government approved funding in November of last year for KiwiRail to buy the fleet of electric multiple units for the Auckland network.

KiwiRail chief executive Jim Quinn says the procurement team has been working since then to review previous work and develop an appropriate process that ensures the project keeps as close as possible to the original timeline of units delivered by 2013.

"This is a project with a long gestation period, but is a critical step forward for Auckland's public transport system - a quality commuter rail system will give Aucklanders a real choice in how they commute."

This is the final element of a broader set of projects, Mr Quinn says. The other elements are well underway to ensure the entire system is ready for the new electric trains. The installation of the new signalling system has begun, and the first traction mast likely to appear on the network later this year.

The Industry Engagement Document proposes a fleet of up to 38 EMUS comprising up to 114 cars each with 240 seats but notes that alternative solutions to deliver the required capacity would be considered.

Potential bidders are being asked to participate in an Expression of Interest process, and will have the opportunity to attend a briefing in mid May, before a Request for Proposal is issued to short-listed pre-qualified suppliers in July.