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Mott MacDonald is among three suppliers selected to develop designs for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM).
The procurement process for the designs launched last year, with the three suppliers now awarded contracts to develop their concepts to present to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority in March.
Dromos Technologies – which develops autonomous network transit systems – and construction firm Egis have also been selected.
The three designs will support the better understanding of how existing and emerging public transport modes, models and technologies could be applied to the CAM. The process will also encourage bold thinking which pushes boundaries, while remaining deliverable and offering value for money.
A series of staged reviews are planned with each supplier to ensure progress remains on track.
For the CAM designs, Dromos has partnered with UK designer PriestmanGoode and engineering firms Buro Happold and RLB. Egis will be supported by 10Design Architects and other industry leaders in the field of autonomous public transport.
Meanwhile, Mott MacDonald has brought together a consortium of companies - MTR, Transport Design international, Maynard and Podaris.
CAM network map
Mott MacDonald practice leader light rapid transit Stephen Luke said the team is “delighted” to have been selected.
“This truly is an ambitious and unique scheme requiring a careful balance of proven engineering, innovation and creativity,” he said.
Dromos Technologies chief executive Lars Herold added that the transit system “will become a lighthouse project showcasing how to solve passenger transport with 21st Century technology”, while Egis chief executive Laurent Germain described the work as an “opportunity” to transform future of the region “by introducing a sustainable solution that is bespoke, optimised and adaptable to emerging technological development”.
He said it will “stand out as a beacon for future autonomous systems to come”.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor James Palmer added: “The CAM will bring the world-leading, innovative and transformational public transport network that this region needs to continue to thrive.
“This challenge is a test to the very best brains in the market to help pioneer what the CAM will look like and how it can best be delivered. I’m clear that we want the CAM to offer our region the kind of high-quality public transport normally reserved for the biggest cities.”
The conceptual design challenge is not intended to find the conclusive delivery solution for CAM, but will offer important input and challenge in the development of the programme and build interest among suppliers more widely who at some stage may want to bid on future phases of work.
The scope of the designs the suppliers will be expected to cover include:
- The CAM vehicle: What type and size of proposed autonomous metro vehicles could be suitable, including considerations around guidance, operating systems and how it can be futureproofed against rapidly changing technology.
- CAM infrastructure: What infrastructure the vehicle would run on, including the IT system and recommended approaches for their design, build, operation, safety assurance and maintenance.
- Operations: How the CAM will run, and what the customer experience should be like.
- Commercial relationships: Creative opportunities for revenue streams which will support the funding of the CAM.
- The environment: Ensuring CAM is world leading in protecting the environment.
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The technologies exist already for this. “Pushing the boundaries” will only cost the local taxpayer dear. Wasn’t the experience with the guided busway bad enough?
The client has to realistically expect that a metro will cost what it costs and chasing cheapo solutions will just cost more in the end or result in massive disappointments concerning the quality of the end result.
Cambridge traffic us horrendous. A public transport solution is desperately needed, but an effective one needs the nettle of cost to be grasped boldly