In order to provide Intercity service on the future Basque high-speed rail infrastructure, Euskotren requires detailed analysis of the market options for provision and maintenance of high-speed rolling stock, and the risks and advantages associated with each of these options.
Objectives, goals and purposes
ALG was commissioned by Euskotren to perform thorough analysis of the options and their implications. The activities and responsibilities included in the assignment were:
- Definition of the main characteristics of the rolling stock required.
- Identification and evaluation of the procurement options.
- Analysis of schemes for the provision of rolling stock.
- Analysis of schemes for the maintenance of rolling stock associated with each procurement model.
- Analysis of the corporate implications of each model.
- Benchmarking analysis of representative case studies.
- Classification of leading rolling stock manufacturers through in-depth interviews.
○ Services offered by each manufacturer.
○ Schedules for supply processes for high-speed rolling stock.
○ Price estimates for each train unit for each procurement model. - Identification of the main risks and mitigating actions.
- Structuring proposals for contracts and their economic impact.
Study methodology and activities
The project involved three steps:
1- Market study of rolling stock:
- Definition of the rolling stock requirements for the operation (including requirements for the French and Spanish networks).
- Identification and description of the main stakeholders.
- Identification and description of the rolling stock in the market, by manufacturers.
- Schedule for procurement processes and estimated prices for all related services (rolling stock and maintenance).
- Identification and description of manufacturers of trains and significant subcomponents.
- Definition of the rolling stock characteristics for the operation (including requirements for the French and Spanish networks).
2- Procurement alternatives:
- Description of the selected procurement-strategy case studies: benchmarking.
- Identification and definition of alternative strategies for procurement and maintenance.
- Bidding alternatives.
- Organisational and economic impact.
3- Definition of the procurement and maintenance model:
- Assessment of each alternative strategy: risks and opportunities.
- Selection of strategies for Euskotren.
- Route map for deployment.
Success and outcomes
An exhaustive document was prepared analysing the options available to the public company Euskotren for acquiring and maintaining the rolling stock for Intercity services in the new “Y vasca” railway infrastructure.
This analysed all aspects related to the supply process, including the conception of the rolling stock needed, the characteristics of the rolling stock, the type of operation, the procurement and maintenance options, potential suppliers, the specifications, and structuring of the bidding process and contracts.
Various representative case studies were developed to improve understanding of the potential alternatives, lessons learned, risks and opportunities.
Interviews with rolling stock manufacturers were analysed to identify the main risks to be considered in preparing the specifications. Recommendations were issued for the mitigation of these risks.
Finally, the structure of the contracts for rolling stock provision and maintenance was defined, including details of the services to be provided and the most suitable bidding process.