Wheelchair Accessible Double Deck Coaches.

Descriptions

Translink operate a high quality inter-urban coach service throughout Northern Ireland under the Goldline brand. The Goldline Service was first set up in 1990 and currently operates 24 routes using 161 coaches. Of these, 24 are double deck coaches and the rest are single deck.The 24 double deck vehicles were purchased in 2006. These vehicles were unique in the UK at the time, in that they combined a coach specification with both a high seating capacity and a low-floor lower deck. The vehicles have proved very popular with customers, as the vehicles have a commanding aesthetic appeal, offer good views from the top deck, and are very quiet due to the large degree of separation of the engine from the passenger compartment. Operationally, the large seating capacity is a major benefit on several routes, with a capacity of 70 passengers plus luggage space in a 12.4 m long body. Additionally, the low-floor design permits easy access to the wheelchair space using a simple fold out ramp. Once on board, the wheelchair space is quickly and easily accessed, and is a permanent feature of the vehicle. The safety restraint systems are built-in and designed to be simple-to-operate, to the benefit of safety, convenience and availability.Translink now wish to commence a phased replacement program for these wheel-chair accessible double deck coaches. It is anticipated that phase 1 will procure 12 vehicles to be delivered and paid for no later than 30.11.2015, with options for phase 2 of another 12 vehicles in 2017/18. Options for capacity growth will also be included.This advertisement invites applications from manufacturers of appropriate RHD wheelchair accessible double deck coaches for the design, manufacture, delivery, commissioning and subsequent provision of aftermarket support for vehicles to operate in stage carriage express work in Northern Ireland. Vehicles must comply with all relevant legislation applicable in Northern Ireland at the time of supply, and must provide the key benefits of Translink's existing double deck coaches mentioned above, with a focus on usability, reliability and passenger appeal.Translink will approach this procurement on the basis of output specifications and welcomes innovative solutions in terms of, but not limited to, vehicle technologies, maintenance and support arrangements, on-board passenger amenities and performance monitoring. It is proposed that the vehicle procurement will be based on an outright purchase.Parties interested in being involved in this project must submit their response to the advertisement using the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire format only and submitting same through esourcingni quoting the EU journal reference no later than 15:00 GMT on day 10.11.2014.Any questions on the project should be addressed via esourcingni to William Moore, Head of Procurement, Translink.Please note: Translink takes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken, costs incurred or commitments made by interested parties in responding to this advertisement or any subsequent discussions relating to this advertisement.