Issue - meetings

To consider whether to purchase the Bombardier Overspeed and Collision Avoidance system for the Bombardier trams operating on Blackpool’s tramway.

The Shareholder Committee considered a report on whether to purchase the Bombardier Overspeed and Collision Avoidance system for the Bombardier trams operating on Blackpool’s tramway.

The system had been developed by Bombardier who were also the original tram supplier. It met the requirements of the RAIB recommendation 3 of the Croydon report in terms of overspeed management which was a risk also identified by the Tramway Governance Committee.

The system would cost £816,00 in total and £163,00 would need to be paid within the current financial year, which could be found from within the existing tramway scheme with two 30% payments in 2023/24 (£490,000 in total) and the final payment in 2024/25 which would be £163,000.

The Shareholder Committee accepted the proposal and remarked that using the same supplier as the tram meant that the system would be fit for purpose and avoid any issues.

Shareholder Committee Decision:

To approve that the Bombardier Overspeed and Collision Avoidance system is provided on the Bombardier trams, which meets the Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) Recommendation 3 of the Croydon report and future proofs the operation as the collision avoidance is included. 

Reason for Decision:

To comply with the RAIB recommendation 3 of the Croyden report in terms of overspeed management and also future proof the operation with the inclusion of the collision avoidance system.

Date of Decision:

11 February 2022

Alternative Options:

The Shareholder Committee noted that there were other options, however the report highlighted the importance of using the system Bombardier had developed for the Bombardier Flexity trams which they had also built.