Midland Metro Operating Agreement.

Descriptions

The contracting entity requires an operator for the Midland Metro network and a programme of proposed extensions of the network including lines to Edgbaston, Wolverhampton Interchange, Digbeth, East Birmingham / Solihull and between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill.The Midland Metro network is an electrically powered light rail system currently comprising a single route between Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton and Birmingham City Centre (Line One). The contracting entity is separately procuring an Alliance (the Midland Metro Alliance) to deliver the programme of extensions and upgrades to Line One.The operator will be required to operate and maintain the Midland Metro network (including trams) to a required specification. The operator will be required to maintain (and may be required to renew) assets to avoid impairment of function, maintaining a high level of service performance and customer satisfaction in order to meet demand targets and specified hand-back requirements at the end of the contract.The operator will be required to participate In the Midland Metro Alliance in the development and delivery of scheme designs, acquisition of powers, business case development, target cost assessments and the testing, commissioning and safety assurance of new infrastructure, systems, rolling stock and other assets required to achieve the extension programme with a view to minimising programme delivery time-scales and optimising the whole life performance of assets whilst ensuring the impact of the delivery of the expansion programme on operational services, demand and customer satisfaction is minimised.The operator may also be required to carry out specified infrastructure improvements to Line One.Fares revenue risk will site with the contracting entity The operator will be required to undertake revenue collection on the contracting entity's behalf, although variantbids proposing a revenue sharing basis will be considered. The operator will be required to submit proposals for optimising existing on tram revenue collection and for the adoption of off tram revenue collection.The contracting entity currently intends that the operating agreement will be 10 years in duration, with an option for the contracting entity to extend this by a further 5 years. However, the duration of the operating agreement awarded may be shorter or longer than this.