CAF wins city trams endorsement

CAF's design beat off competition from three other firms

A Spanish firm has been formally recommended as the supplier of trams to Edinburgh City Council.

CAF, which supplied trams to Seville, has been chosen by the council-owned company behind the project, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (Tie).

CAF is perhaps best known in the UK for providing the Heathrow Express trains.

It fought off competition from French company Alstom, Siemens and Bombardier Transportation, the Derby-based arm of Canadian giant Bombardier.

The recommendation will be put before city councillors for their approval as part of the tram system's final business case at a full council meeting on 25 October.

Tram infrastructure

The final costs for the infrastructure contractor will also be included in that document.

CAF recently put into service a fleet of diesel trains for Northern Ireland Railways.

Tie said it is confident CIF's trams for Edinburgh "represent the best in class, and will put the capital head and shoulders above cities across the world".

The Edinburgh tram contract involves the manufacture of 27 trams and their maintenance for a period of up to 30 years. Tie will also appoint a contractor to deliver the tram infrastructure.

The Edinburgh contract involves the manufacture of 27 trams Enlarge Image

Willie Gallagher, chairman of Tie, said: "Edinburgh's expectations were rightly high and we have found a world class vehicle to match them.

"The competition was intense, which drove the bidders to submit fantastic bids.

"It was a tough decision, but I believe that we are recommending the best bid for Edinburgh."

Edinburgh's trams will be the biggest in the UK at over 40m long and will be able to negotiate tight curves and steep gradients.

Tie said they will have a "timeless and attractive appearance" that will complement Edinburgh's heritage.

The trams will hold 250 passengers each and will have facilities for disabled people.

Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "Trams sum up the ambition, growth, great lifestyle and green qualities that we want our city to be about.

"Costing and future financial predictions are proving positive, showing that Edinburgh's tram network will be an asset to our city."