Trams Control System Renewal Programme

Description

The London Trams Control system was originally installed in the late 1990s when the system was constructed and comprised two distinct elements: 1. The Trams Management System (TMS), installed in the depot at Therapia Lane and comprises software and hardware components responsible for taking information from equipment across the tram network and providing status and control capabilities to control room operational and maintenance staff. The TMS additionally performs a SCADA function, including software and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) at the various traction power supply substations positioned across the network. 2. The Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) installed at various locations around the tram network, provide autonomous local decision making and control of aspects of the signalling and control system. Communication between these elements is provided by a distributed fibre-optic communications system. The PLCs are original equipment and have been in use since the inauguration of the network at the turn of the century. The TMS is a more recent installation having been replaced in 2014. Both parts of the control system contain elements that are becoming obsolete and nearing life expiry. TfL is therefore planning to procure the design, delivery and implementation of a replacement system to encompass the full control system requirements, replacing the existing TMS, RTUs and PLCs. The requirement will also cover ongoing maintenance and support services. The procurement is for award of two contracts to the same supplier, one for the design, delivery and implementation of the replacement system, and one for the ongoing maintenance and support services. The maintenance contract will commence following the implementation of the replacement system, on a minimum term of five years and an option to extend for the life of the system. The estimated 7-year contract duration entered covers the estimated duration of the system replacement (est. 2 years) and initial maintenance term (5 years), with the option to extend the maintenance services for up to a further 15 years (covering the expected system life of 20 years total). The contracting entity for this procurement will be Tramtrack Croydon Limited, which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Transport for London.