[IMAGE]BombardierAustraliaJune82011-2.jpg[/IMAGE] On Wednesday, Bombardier Transportation announced that the GoldLinQ consortium, of which it is a member, has been awarded a contract by the Queensland Government to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the first stage of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit light rail public transportation system in an 18-year public-private partnership.

The contract is valued at approximately $1.1 billion in total. Bombardier Transportation’s share of the contract is valued at approximately $265 million.

The Gold Coast Rapid Transit system will deliver a public transportation service for the city. Patronage numbers are expected to grow to 50,000 per day, and GoldLinQ has in-built capacity to cater for up to 75,000 passengers per day.

Sixteen stations are planned for the eight-mile light rail corridor, which will serve the new Gold Coast University Hospital; Griffith University; and the fast-growing commercial, retail and recreational centers of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Passenger services are scheduled to start in 2014.

The GoldLinQ consortium includes Bombardier for the electrical and mechanical (E&M) system scope; leading construction and civil contractor McConnell Dowell for the civil works; global public transport operator Keolis and Australian road and rail services business Downer EDI, who have formed KDR (Keolis Downer EDI Rail), for the operations and maintenance; and Plenary Group, financial arranger and commercial advisor.

Bombardier will design and supply the system-wide E&M elements, including 14 Bombardier Flexity 2 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs); signaling and control systems; communication systems; electrification, including traction power supply substations and overhead line equipment (OHLE); as well as providing project management, systems engineering and integration, testing and commissioning for the new LRVs and signaling system.

At the depot, Bombardier Transportation will provide depot and plant equipment required for LRV and rail system maintenance. In addition, Bombardier Transportation will provide vehicle maintenance for a period of 15 years. KDR will undertake the wayside maintenance.