The franchise for the operation of Melbourne’s extensive tram network was awarded by the Victorian Government to joint venture KDR (Keolis-Downer EDI Rail).
The Melbourne tram network is the largest tram operation in the world, and the franchise is responsible for passenger service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and rolling stock maintenance.
Halcrow assisted KDR in the preparation of its winning bid, providing technical support in operations. Emma Duncan, Halcrow project manager, explained that the operations contract required developing a bespoke intermodal demand model, optimising timetables and driver rosters to ultimately improve tram operational performance.
“This involved working closely with the other work streams to ensure that best value for money could be achieved for the Department of Transport, whilst providing maximum realistic returns for KDR,” she said. “Winning the tram franchise reflects the comprehensiveness of our approach, and is a great result for both KDR and Halcrow”.
Halcrow continued to provide technical support in the lead up to the operational handover of the tram network in December 2009. The contract will run for eight years, with a possible extension of a further seven years.