HomeCompany NewsThree designers selected for Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM)

Three designers selected for Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM)

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The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has chosen three potential suppliers to develop innovative concept designs that push forward the pioneering Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) scheme and to present those designs to the Mayoral Combined Authority in March.

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.

The successful suppliers are:

Dromos Technologies: Dromos Technologies develops Autonomous Network Transit (ANT) systems designed for medium to high-capacity urban passenger and freight traffic. Based in Munich, Dromos says it brings together the world’s leading autonomous driving, automotive and mass transit know-how to create the next paradigm shift in urban transportation. For the CAM designs, Dromos has partnered with UK designer PriestmanGoode and engineering firms Buro Happold and RLB.

Egis: A major international group in the construction, engineering and mobility services sectors. The group brings together all of the skills in the field of urban transport including metro systems, light rail, autonomous public transport, and the development of associated stations and interchanges. Egis has developed projects internationally in cities ranging from small to medium size conurbations to megacities and from inception studies to commissioning. For the CAM designs, Egis will be supported by 10Design Architects and other industry leaders in the field of autonomous public transport.

Mott MacDonald: A global engineering, management and development consultancy with a proud 45-year association with Cambridge. The company brings global capability in transport infrastructure, from involvement in London Underground, Crossrail and Sydney and Melbourne Metro systems, with development capability across the wider spectrum of urban rapid transit. Mott MacDonald has brought together a consortium of leading-edge companies MTR, Transport Design international, Maynard and Podaris, to support them.

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.

Each supplier is also working with partners from a range of disciplines to develop the wide-ranging elements of the CAM solution required. 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.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer, said: “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.

“We can be a trailblazer for the future of transport in a smaller cities and their regions and there is no better place in the world to be a first-mover than Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Once again, we want this region to lead the way.

“The delivery of the conceptual designs in March will be another important milestone for CAM.”

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