Coventry VLR (Very Light Rail) Concept Design for a Low Cost Trackform

The University of Warwick are looking to tender for concept design, Construction, Consultancy and analysis work for a novel low cost trackform for the Coventry Very Light Rail project.

The Coventry VLR (Very Light Rail) project is a research and development programme to develop a novel, low-cost, low-carbon rail-based public transport system for operation within the city of Coventry. The programme is a collaboration between WMG (University of Warwick), Coventry City Council (CCC) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). The overall programme is conceived to deliver an affordable rail based system, capable of on-and off-street running, marketable to the general public, and have low-carbon light-weight self-propelled vehicles which are emissions free at the point of use.

The vision is for an innovative trackform, which causes minimal disruption to the locality during on-site installation thus providing a step-change in light-rail installation costs. Further, the design should encompass the requirements of all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, utility companies (gas, electricity, telephone, etc.), staff and passengers, pedestrians, other road vehicles including cyclists, local businesses, other statutory undertakers and system operator. As part of the larger programme, a novel, lightweight vehicle is being developed, along with a potential route offering suitable economic viability.

The development of a rail network requires a fully integrated systems approach, ensuring compatibility, consistency and cost-effectiveness. As such, the supplier will be expected to interact with the project partners, including CCC, TfWM and the vehicle development consortium, as well as any other companies that assist with the development of the Coventry VLR programme.

In order to express interest in this opportunity and download some further details please go to the University of Warwick In-Tend supplier portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofwarwick).

The University of Warwick is not a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) and its procurement activities are not subject to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the obligations under the European Public Procurement Directives, including the European Remedies Directive. Advertisement of any contract in the Official Journal of the European Union or Contracts Finder is at the sole discretion of the University and is undertaken on a voluntary basis with no implied obligation to comply with the procurement legislation.

Additional information:

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No