Transport for Wales (TfW) has appointed engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald to a new framework agreement.

The company will provide multidisciplinary services during the procurement of the new Wales and Borders franchise, as well as during the development and delivery of the South Wales Metro.

TfW was created by the Welsh Government in 2015 to support its national transport plans.

Over the next two years, potential work includes Metro enhancements such as new stations and upgrades, capacity and speed improvements, increased service frequency and the potential for the core Valleys lines to be converted to light rail.


The framework will also include improvements to intermodal facilities and bus corridors.

The scope of Mott MacDonald's services involve multidisciplinary rail, infrastructure and station engineering, environmental, regeneration and transportation consultancy, business planning, urban design, branding and architecture.

The contract is due to end at the first quarter of 2018 and has the potential for a one-year extension.

Paul Maliphant, Mott MacDonald's engineering manager, said: "South Wales Metro has the potential to significantly change Wales for the better. It will improve connections between labour markets and residential communities, creating new opportunities for regional tourism and recreation assets."

The new Wales and Borders franchise will be secured towards the end of 2018 and will include the delivery of South Wales Metro.

(LM)