I help improving railway performance and capacity through advanced digital signalling (CBTC and enhanced ETCS).
It was one of the boldest, yet most successful, ideas in the planning for the CBTC introduction to Perth, to go for the entire network-wide rollout in a single procurement, selecting a single CBTC supplier. A single supplier strategy for CBTC is ideal for a smaller rail network like the one in Perth as it avoids any issues with lack of interoperability between CBTC products from different suppliers. Successful examples of such strategies are Amsterdam Metro, Copenhagen S Bane, Dubai Metro and Doha Metro to name a few. Another huge benefit was the great interest that a CBTC project of this size would raise amongst globally active suppliers. 250 route kilometres is a massive size for a single CBTC contract on a global scale, and led to a fierce competition between the best companies that threw all but the kitchensink at this to win it. The final shortlist between Alstom and Siemens probably deserved more than just one winner, but at the end the alphabetical order had to decide over throwing a coin. (That was a joke.) A third benefit is the straightforward line-by-line plan of implementing CBTC, minimising the duration of the entire network-wide rollout to mere ten years. The faster this is done the more comprehensive the benefits will be that CBTC can bring to train services in Perth. https://lnkd.in/gfBe2uKK #cbtc #perth #australia #docfrankrailservices
While Alstom's expertise will undoubtedly benefit Perth's rail network, considering multiple suppliers on a single network can foster innovation, ensure competitive pricing, and enhance system resilience. Diverse solutions might better address specific challenges and future-proof the network against potential issues. Looking forward to seeing how this project unfolds!
Stewart Kent
4mo
I had the great pleasure of designing some of the Electrification in Perth down towards Mandura many years ago. I’m a fan of procurement bucking the trends and whilst this can be seen as a risk it’s often the case that a Tier1 supplier will subcontract many of the smaller design contracts anyway. In this case it allows the tier 1 supplier to act and manage as the systems integrator and ideally the client to focus on safety, price and program.
Richard Lungmuss
4mo
Alstom did a great job for us in Sydney when we were bidding for the Metro. Providing the trains and CBTC meant that interfacing as far far easier. I remember being incredulous when working for the DfT and seeing a bid disqualified because the operator had the temerity to try and include a integrated bid. Of course we need competition to potentially reduce costs but frankly I’m not sure that ever works and all that happens is the bidding process is far more complex, expensive and time consuming. We also end up with multiple systems across our network, whether hardware or software so money saved in one bidding process is undoubtedly lost due to having to train for, and maintain, so many differing systems. Don’t even get me started on the preferred bidders list and how that is abused! Just imagine the cost saving if we boldly chose one supplier for our entire network and relentlessly leveraged the economies of scale? Of course the clever people at the DfT would be terrified of creating a monopoly supplier but maybe that’s exactly what we need?!
Alan Rumsey
4mo
I would suggest there can also be significant life cycle cost advantages with a single supplier solution from a maintainibilty, system upgrade and obsolescence management perspective.
Shashi Bhushan
4mo
Insightful!
High-Speed Rail Strategist Leading Manchester's Infrastructure Plans
4moThe decision to go with a single supplier for the CBTC rollout in Perth is indeed a bold and streamlined approach, offering clear advantages like ensuring seamless interoperability and simplifying project management. It draws on successful precedents set by other cities and brings strong competition among top global suppliers. However, it's also important to consider potential challenges, such as the risk of vendor dependence and the possibility of limited innovation compared to a multi-supplier strategy. While the choice can enhance efficiency and reduce complexity, it requires careful management to avoid issues like cost control and future scalability. Overall, the benefits seem to outweigh the risks, making it a promising strategy for Perth's rail network.