The government of New South Wales has invited expressions of interest to find a shadow operator for Australasia's first metro line in Sydney. The primary purpose of the shadow operator is to ensure that a central focus on delivering a safe, attractive and efficient end-product for passengers is maintained, particularly prior to the appointment of the actual operator. The shadow operator will have the capability and expertise to assist throughout the project in providing executive advice up to the commencement of construction in 2010 and providing technical support required by management and other working groups. Visit www.sydlink.com.au/site/page.cfmThe proposed 38 km northwest metro line will run underground from the city beneath Victoria Road towards Top Ryde, Epping, Castle Hill, and Rouse Hill in the city's northwest. Thirty-two kilometres of the line would be underground. The AUD12 billion line will have 17 stations with the city centre terminus expected to utilise disused CityRail platforms at St James station. No detailed technical specifications for the metro have yet been released, although the line will use automatic operation with trains running at five-minute headways.The state government says it will fund the metro but has left the door open for a public-private partnership (PPP), or government funding with private operation. Construction will start simultaneously from both the city and the Hills Centre by 2010 with the first section opening between Epping and Rouse Hill by 2015. This section will operate as an isolated shuttle until the remainder of the metro is completed by 2017. 24/08.

Three consortia have been short listed for Sydney metro's major construction and tunnelling contract: Line 1 (McConnell Dowell Corporation/Abigroup/Obayashi Corporation); Metro Primo (Leighton Contractors/SELI); and Thiess/John Holland JV. They will now compete for the contract to construct the first stage comprising 7 km-long twin tunnels of 5.7 m internal diameter from Central to Rozelle, including drainage, cross passages, underground stations and passenger entrances. Click here for the alignment. The contract will be awarded in the second quarter of 2010 and the line should start operating by 2015. Visit www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au. 33/09.

Two consortia have been shortlisted to bid for the Integrated Metro Operations IMO contract for phase 1 of Sydney Metro between Central and Rozelle as follows: Kujika consortium, comprising Bovis Lend Lease, Downer EDI, Keolis, McConnell Dowell, Thales and financial advisor Plenary Group; and Met One, comprising Serco, Bombardier Transportation, Laing O'Rourke and Hastings Management.The IMO contract includes supply of trains, track and E&M systems and fitting out the six stations, as well as operation and maintenance of the 7 km line. The contract is due to be awarded in late 2010. Visit www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au. 42/09.