Capital Metro, the agency behind a proposed light rail system currently in the planning stages for Canberra (Australia), announced on May 21 details about the plans to develop the project.

A PPP project is under consideration to finance the proposed light rail transit (LRT) facility. The contract agreement would be for a period between 20 to 25 years. The new LTR is expected to have a capacity of about 200 people.

Ernst and Young is working on a business case, looking at costs, benefits, funding and ownership options, and ensuring all the opportunities offered by light rail can be realised. An Arup-led consortium is working on the design of the rail line and reviewing the proposed alignment.

A consortium would be appointed to build and operate the rail line early next year. Construction is to start midway through 2016.

This contract would follow the Sydney light rail project. In March this year, Transport for New South Wales invited the three international shortlisted consortia to participate in the request for proposals (RFP).

The contract will cover design, construction, services relocations, operation and maintenance of the 12-kilometre project, as well as the operation and maintenance of the Inner West Light Rail network. Internationals companies as Bombardier, Macquarie Capital, Plenary Group and Acciona are among the shortlisted firms.