\THE first phase of the process which should ultimately lead to an order being placed for new vehicles on the LondonTrams network was drawing to a close as this issue of TheRM went to press.
Transport for London’s tender notice, which had a closing date of February 27, seeks the fulfilment of two contracts by the same supplier. One relates to the manufacture and delivery of a base order of 24 new trams (which it will use to replace the existing LondonTrams fleet of Bombardier CR4000 vehicles) and the other the provision of technical support and spares for them for a 30-year period.
The valuation placed on the deal is £385 million. It contains an option for up to 16 further trams to be built.