Two bidders have been shortlisted by HS2 Ltd for a £270m deal to operate and maintain the new mass transit system at Interchange station in Solihull.

The winning bidder will work with HS2 to deliver the Automated People Mover (APM) and maintain its cable system operation for a 25-year period.

The bidders invited to tender are:

Doppelmayr Cable Car UK Limited
POMA S.A.S

​Market engagement for the £150m design and build contract for the APM’s infrastructure is due to start later this year. The procurement for this work, starting with the pre-qualification of potential tenderers, is due to be released in the second quarter of 2025.

The route connects HS2’s Interchange station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International station, and Birmingham Airport.

The APM is designed to accommodate a minimum of 2,100 people per hour in each direction, with future capacity provision for 3,900 people.

As the route traverses the M42 and West Coast Main Line, the People Mover will be built on a viaduct to minimise impacts to the existing major road and rail network.

Piers ranging in height from six to 14 metres will be supported by a series of structural columns that repeat at nominal spans of 40 metres.

The columns range in type to accommodate the APM’s varying single track, twin track and split track infrastructure. A maintenance facility will also be built on site, adjacent to HS2’s Interchange Station.

Sean Butler, HS2’s Senior Project Manager for the Automated People Mover said: “We’re progressing towards appointing the APM system and service contractor that will work with HS2 to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure, which provides a huge boost to Solihull MBC, Birmingham Airport and the NEC Group’s growth plans.

“Reaching this major step in the project plan is testament to the collaboration and dedication of every one of our partners for whom the APM is so vital.”