Bombardier signs on for second stage of Australian light rail project

Stage 1 of the 13-kilometre LRT was completed in 2014; Stage 2 will add 7.3 kilometres to the transit line, as well as four new Bombardier trams. PHOTO: Bombardier

BRISBANE, Australia—The rail division of Canadian plane and train maker Bombardier Inc. has formalized a deal with the Queensland Government to participate in Stage 2 of Australia’s Gold Coast Light Rail project.

Alongside several partners, the company will provide core rail systems for the 7.3-kilometre extension project, as well as build four new trams.

“The total scope of Bombardier’s work for Stage 2 demonstrates that we are the partner of choice for delivering a highly proven, reliable and complete rail solution for the Gold Coast,” Benoit Cattin-Martel, the division’s president of Asia Pacific Region, said.

Stage 1 of the 13-kilometre light rail line was completed in 2014; Bombardier participated in that project as well, delivering 14 FLEXITY 2 trams as well as providing a number of other services.

Bombardier did not reveal the overall value of the new contract, though the deal for four new trams, worth US$18 million, was finalized last fall. The infrastructure work is expected to be completed before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to be held along Australia’s Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, in the U.K., the train and plane maker unveiled a new testing and commissioning site at its Derby, U.K. facility. Part of a 20 million pound investment in its Derby operations, the 10,000 square-metre site will double the plant’s testing and commissioning capacity. Dignitaries officially opened the site May 13.