Through our Public Transport team’s work, over nearly two decades, advising Transport for Greater Manchester (formerly Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive) on the Manchester Metrolink light rail system, we have developed a wealth of in-depth legal expertise on nearly all aspects of the development, procurement and operation of tram or light rail systems.
We also act for Centro (the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) in relation to the development of the Midland Metro light rail system.
In recognition of our legal expertise in relation to tram systems we have participated in a UK Tram working group on performance payment regimes for tram systems and have advised UK Tram on the implementation of the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 in relation to tramways.
Relevant experience
Notable examples of the Public Transport team’s work on light rail and tram systems include:
- advising on the Manchester Metrolink Phase 2 concession agreement entered into in 1997 which involved the privately financed construction and operation of the Phase 2 extension of the Metrolink System to Eccles
- procurement of major track renewal works to the Phase 1 Manchester Metrolink System
- procurement of new ticket machines for the Metrolink System with options to acquire further ticket machines for extensions to the System
- preparation and negotiation of an agreement for the supply of a fleet of over 50 new trams for use on the Metrolink System
- procurement of a 10 year operating and maintenance contract for the Metrolink System, incorporating requirements for the carrying out of various improvement projects, a detailed performance payment regime and detailed contractual interface arrangements with the other Metrolink contracts
- advising on a design construct and maintain contract for the Phase 3 extensions of the Metrolink System to Manchester Airport, Rochdale, Ashton under Lyne and Didsbury as well as a new link to the Media City development in Salford and the contractual and performance payment interfaces with the Metrolink operating contract
- advising on the procurement of a replacement fleet of trams for use on the Midland Metro tram system
- advising on infrastructure procurements and a potential extension to the Midland Metro tram system
- advising on the application of public procurement rules to all stages of the procurement process for light rail projects, including advising on OJEU notices, information memoranda, pre-qualification questionnaires and invitation to bid documentation and evaluation of pre-qualification submissions and bids submitted
- advising on the application of statutory safety duties contained in the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 and arising under the Health and Safety at Work Act
- defending compensation claims in the Lands Tribunal and dealing with a variety of property transactions associated with the development of the Metrolink System
- negotiating with Network Rail in relation to the proposed conversion of the Oldham/Rochdale heavy rail line to Metrolink use and concluding a suite of agreements to cover works, maintenance, land acquisition, facilities ownership and bridge easements
- proposing and agreeing with the Department of Transport the terms of exemption orders for the Metrolink System from Railways Act 1993 provisions relating to rail franchising, closures, operator licensing and access agreements
- advising UK Tram on proposed Office of the Rail Regulator formal guidance on the implementation of the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 for tram systems
To arrange a discussion with a public transport solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929.
