California issues RfP for procurement of High Speed Bullet Trains

California, United States (Urban Transport News): The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has reached a significant milestone in its ambitious high-speed rail project, as the board of directors approves the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure and maintain a fleet of six 350km/h high-speed trains. The RFP, aimed at selecting a supplier for the next three decades, has shortlisted industry giants Alstom and Siemens Mobility as the two contenders for the contract.

Following a rigorous Request for Qualifications (RFQ) exercise conducted in 2023, Alstom and Siemens Mobility emerged as prequalified bidders, paving the way for their participation in the current RFP process. Proposals are expected to be submitted in the autumn, with CHSRA aiming to finalize the contract award by the end of the year.

The procurement strategy includes the delivery of two prototype trains in 2028, which will undergo comprehensive testing procedures, including static and dynamic testing, as well as trial operation. Subsequently, the remaining four trains are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2030, intended to operate on the initial 275km Merced - Bakersfield section of the high-speed line.

Meanwhile, progress is underway at 25 construction sites across California's Central Valley region, marking significant advancements in the project's development. Efforts are focused on extending construction activities from the initial 191km section to encompass the full 275km first phase. Ultimately, the high-speed line is envisioned to span a distance of 679km, connecting the Bay Area to Los Angeles.

Environmental clearance has already been secured for the entire alignment, underscoring CHSRA's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development. Notably, a portion of the funding for the procurement of the new fleet stems from a $US 3.1bn grant awarded to CHSRA from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State National) Programme in December 2023.

Reflecting on the significance of the board's decision, CHSRA board chair, Mr. Tom Richards, emphasizes the transformative impact of the high-speed rail project on California's transportation landscape. "Today's board action continues our urgent march to put federal dollars to work, creating new industries and economic opportunity around high-speed rail," states Mr. Richards. "By the end of this year, we will know who will build California's first high-speed trains, setting the course for better, more accessible rail travel in California."

With the release of the RFP and the selection of industry-leading suppliers, CHSRA moves closer towards realizing its vision of revolutionizing rail travel in California, ushering in a new era of efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation infrastructure.