Metronet has leased the Old Dalby test track, near Asfordby in Leicestershire, to prove the reliability of the next generation of air-conditioned Tube trains. These will be introduced to one-third of London's Underground network from 2009 (see Metronet news release, February 12, 2007).
The trains are part of a £3.1 billion upgrade of the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines that will increase capacity on these lines by over 40 per cent.
Serco was previously responsible for managing the test track before Alstom took over. Serco operates the Docklands Light Railway, which has won a national transport award every year since 2000.
Metronet Chief Programmes Officer Stephen Hall said: “Serco has a proven track record in maintaining and operating such railway infrastructure as the Old Dalby test track. The high quality maintenance and operation we can expect from the organisation will ensure our programme delivers a reliable and robust new train fleet to the London Underground.”
Chris Theobald, Managing Director of Serco's technical and assurance services business, said: “We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to work with Metronet and demonstrate our ability to deliver flexible services that will contribute to improving the Capital's transport infrastructure.”
Metronet plans to electrify and use for its purposes a 4km stretch of line that runs parallel to the main route which carries overhead electric cables. By maintaining the entire line, Metronet may also be able to make this unique facility available through Serco to other organisations.
Serco's tasks under the contract include: