Seattle’s Sound Transit has awarded a $26 million three-year contract to Network Rail Consulting, a subsidiary of the UK rail infrastructure manager, to support the enhancement of asset management and maintenance practices across its growing Link light rail network, according to railwaygazette.com.

The Asset Management Support Services contract covers multiple engineering disciplines, including track and signalling, traction power and overhead electrification systems, Scada, light rail vehicles, telecoms and data networks, and station systems including fire detection, suppression and emergency ventilation.

Network Rail Consulting will support Sound Transit in developing and implementing asset management and maintenance strategies and documentation. The scope includes the development and integration of an enterprise asset management system, developing and delivering training programmes, establishing competence management frameworks for safety-critical activities, enhancing reliability management to reduce service disruptions and improve the passenger experience, and developing quality assurance and verification processes.

‘We are proud to partner with Sound Transit as it continues to expand its Link light rail network’, said NRC CEO Nigel Ash on July 15. ‘This partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering a more reliable and sustainable transit system. Through close collaboration, we will help strengthen asset performance and improve passenger experience while supporting the network’s long-term success.’

The contract underscores Sound Transit’s focus on improving operational efficiency and passenger experience as the Link light rail network expands. The partnership with Network Rail Consulting brings international expertise in asset management to the Seattle region.