The French multinational Alstom – which swallowed Bombardier Transport in 2021 – and the German group Siemens will cross swords to win the lucrative contract for the trains of the future Quebec tramway.
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The City of Quebec confirmed today the identity of the only two companies which answered the call for qualification for the “design, supply and maintenance of rolling stock” of the project.
The City welcomed the submission of two “international caliber” applications for this first part of the project.
“This success will ensure the best project at the best price, for the benefit of all citizens,” it was argued in a press release.
At the mayor’s office, Bruno Marchand was delighted to have taken this “important” step, saying he was “very happy to see that the construction of the tram is arousing the interest of companies”.
If they both qualify, Alstom Transport Canada inc. and Siemens Mobilité Limitée will then be invited, later this winter, to quantify their proposal.
“At the end of this process, the private partner selected for the rolling stock should be selected in the summer of 2022,” it says.
Take two conclusive
Last June, the City of Quebec had to resume its procurement process since it found itself with only one bidder in the running, following the withdrawal of two out of three consortia.
The project office and the former mayor Régis Labeaume then chose to split the process in two to promote healthy competition between the various manufacturers of railway vehicles.
The second call for qualification for the design, construction, financing and maintenance of infrastructure (platform, stations, interchange centers, tunnel, technical and urban networks, maintenance center, etc.) has not yet been completed. ended.
Additional time allowed
The deadline for submitting applications (scheduled for January 25) has just been extended to February 22, it was reported today.
“This change responds to requests from potential candidates wishing to have additional time to prepare their file. This request is received positively since it will not only promote the filing of quality candidates, but will encourage competition, ”it is argued.
Despite this slight delay, the City remains confident in meeting the project deadlines, valued between $ 3.3 billion and $ 4 billion. Commissioning is scheduled for fall 2028.
Who are the two competitors?
ALSTOM TRANSPORT CANADA
- On its website, Alstom describes itself as the “Leading private rail operator in North America”.
- The company has been present in Canada for over 80 years. Its head office “in the Americas region” is located in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec.
- Alstom acquired Bombardier Transport in January 2021, and might therefore manufacture the tramway at the La Pocatière plant and / or at its various facilities in Saint-Bruno, Brampton, Kingston or Thunder Bay.
- More 4,500 employees nationwide.
SIEMENS LIMITED MOBILITY
- On its website, Siemens says it offers solutions to the Canadian transportation sector “for over 40 years”.
- The group supplied light rail vehicles to Edmonton and Calgary, delivered train sets to VIA Rail, and electrified light rail tracks in Kitchener-Waterloo.
- The group of German origin says it counts around 2,500 employees in Canada as well as 24 offices and production plants across the country.
