Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) is to set up a new light rail transit system in Portugal with rolling stock and rail technology. The contract calls for the supply of 24 Combino type five-section low-floor LRVs, the complete signaling and the operations control equipment. It also includes the communications system, the traction power supply, the overhead contact lines, the equipment for the LRV maintenance and repair facility, as well as the building technologies. For TS, this Portuguese turnkey contract is worth around EUR136 million.

This new LRT system will link the cities of Almada and Seixal, south of Lisbon, and offer a number of connections to the main railway line and ferries serving Lisbon. During the first phase of the project an approximately 13-km-long LRT system of three routes, as well as a LRV maintenance and repair facility are to be built within three years. A 20-km extension is already being planned in order to tie even more cities into this system.

The customer is the newly established company Metro Transportes do Sul (MTS), which has received from the Portuguese government the concession to not only build but also operate the light rail system for a period of 27 years. The government sees this project as a Public-Private-Partnership model. Public spending is to finance the new infrastructure, while the concessionaire will be responsible for the passenger service, the fleet of vehicles, the fare management, and the equipment for the maintenance and repair facility.

You will find a picture of the signing ceremony at http://www.siemens.com/ts-picture/031