The Auckland Transport Authority of New Zealand has recently published a request for proposal (RFP) seeking financial and commercial advisors with experience in light rail transit for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which is being investigating as a way to relieve traffic congestion in Auckland.

Currently the Auckland Transport is developing the business case for the initial stages of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which connects the isthmus with the city center. 

The LRT project overview in its current phase of planning consist of the following lines:

• The Wynyard Quarter connection 1.8km along a dedicated corridor.
• The main Britomart to Dominion Road line 4.8km along a dedicated corridor.
• Down Dominion Road to Mt Roskill 6.3km along a dedicated corridor.
• The Sandringham Road line 5.8km route along a dedicated corridor.

The purpose of the procurement, which closed on 7th April, was to seek a Financial and Commercial Advisor with experience in LRT, alternative funding model procurement and business case development. The scope of service of the Financial and Commercial Advisor will include the following:

• Business Case Phase: Responsibility for providing commercial and financial expertise in further development of the Detailed Business Case.
• Procurement Phase: Responsibility for procurement planning, tender document preparation, tender evaluation and negotiation through to financial close in conjunction with the Project Team.

The LRT project has already engaged technical and cost advisors for the project to assist in the development and costing of investment options.