Train firm in battle for contract

Bombardier hopes to win the contract to supply 1,200 carriages

Derby train-maker Bombardier is in a head-to-head contest to win a major contract to supply rail carriages for the Thameslink project.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that a third firm bidding for the contract, Alstom, has been eliminated from the process.

The Derby firm now aims to win the battle with Siemens Mobility for the deal to supply 1,200 carriages.

Bombardier said it was unable to comment until the bidding was finished.

A spokesman for the DfT said in a statement: "The DfT has decided not to take Alstom forward to the next stage of the competition to manufacture a new fleet of around 1,200 new vehicles for the Thameslink routes which will provide an enhanced passenger environment.

"The department will now commence an intensive period of confidential negotiations with the two remaining bidders, Bombardier and Siemens, and will look to award the contract in due course."

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Bombardier lost out earlier this year for the right to build Intercity trains