Rail upkeep contract of $175m goes to Downer

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Downer EDI has been awarded a public transport rail maintenance services contract in Western Australia.

"The value of the contract is more than A$285 million ($356 million) for the seven-and-a-half-year contract term and Downer's share of this contract exceeds A$140 million ($175 million)," the engineering company said yesterday.

The contract is for work for Western Australia's Public Transport Authority through Downer's joint venture with Bombardier Transportation Australia.

Downer Bombardier at present maintains the authority's B-series fleet, while the A-series train fleet, including Australind rail cars, are serviced in-house under labour hire contracts.

From January, Downer Bombardier will provide all maintenance and cleaning work for the A and B series commuter trains and the Australind diesel railcar fleet, bringing all maintenance for the authority's suburban fleet under the one contractor.

The contract will run for seven and a half years, with an option for an extension by an additional seven and a half years.

Downer Bombardier was also recently awarded a rail car supply contract by the WA authority valued at A$160 million.

- AAP