Leasing of existing Rolling Stock for Southeastern Metro Services to meet October 2027 demand

The overall objective of this procurement is cost reduction and cost avoidance, through securing the best medium and long-term value fleet solution for the benefit of taxpayers, the Department for Transport, Southeastern and ultimately, Southeastern's customers. We believe that a component of this objective can be secured by leasing existing Rolling Stock of sufficient quantity, to address the escalating costs of Southeastern's ageing fleet Such Rolling Stock must be available for full unrestricted operational passenger service with Southeastern by 01 October 2027

The quantity of vehicles to be procured on lease is anticipated to be between 350 and 810 (these quantities have been calculated using an assumed 20m vehicle length). The precise number to be leased will be determined once tenders have been received

Southeastern will require either a lease or sub-lease for Rolling Stock which meets the key requirements which will include (but not be limited to):

Southeastern is seeking a fleet which will operate with sustainability in mind, with a goal to reduce carbon footprint, energy usage and embedded carbon

Bidders may be required to provide ongoing maintenance support, for example, the supply of heavy maintenance to be included in the lease, along with design authority support. Alternatively, by way of a materials supply and technical support agreement, whole life cost guarantees and a performance regime