Rolling Stock Projects
A large international consortium won an 8-year rolling stock supply contract for a Taiwan local government’s Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) System, tasked with the specification, design, build and on-going life-cycle support of the trainsets (EMU’s). A US consulting group had prepared the contract, technical and management control requirements for the entire rail system, applying state-of-the-art, high speed rail/aerospace standards for this major new public transportation system. ICON’s prior knowledge and experience of such international standards led to the award of a contract to provide the critical programme/contract management, systems engineering and reliability, maintainability, safety and driver/passenger ergonomic services to the consortium. Successful submittals of contract schedules, specifications and key deliverables resulted in early achievement of the first 2-year project milestones and payments, on this highly visible and internationally successful project, in record time.
A Rail Commuter Company responsible for metropolitan rail transportation in SA required a project management system. A suitable project management system was designed and implemented. The innovative solution included the project and engineering management processes that interfaced with classic manufacturing and production planning systems.
A British train manufacturer supplied Electric Multiple Units (EMU’s) to KCRC in the early 1980’s. To extend their lifespan, termed the “Mid-Life Refurbishment Train (MLR Train)”, a major refurbishment project that included the scope of work below, was undertaken from 1996 to 1999:
- Converting the trains to fixed 12-car sets with new livery in blue and silverish bodies, with red doors and, rebuilt front ends and emergency exits,
- Refurbished interiors to include the replacement of transverse seating with longitudinal seating allowing more standing room for passengers and, removal of the freight section,
- Fitment of new passenger information systems including multi-colour LED signs displaying train destinations, the next station, safety guidelines, the time and temperature, and 22-inch LCD screens mounted above windows broadcasting looping, daily TV news and advertisements.
- The project also resulted in a significant change in KCR’s (British Section) operations due to the development of new towns in the “New Territories” area of Hong Kong.
ICON provided project management services on this project and, developed and implemented a supplier development programme to; (i) identify Chinese component suppliers, (ii) reduce procurement costs and (iii) to improve supply chain effectiveness.