To keep availability of trains on a high level, it is crucial to detect defects as soon as possible. As part of the existing maintenance regime, NS conducts technical inspections (so called ‘B-inspections’) every 48 hours on its fleet. These inspections are conducted manually by mechanics throughout the country. They patrol around each individual train and assess its technical status mainly visually. However, this method has its limitations. The professionalisation and optimisation of the maintenance process is necessary to meet current and future demands. Consequently, NS is seeking for a partner to develop, validate and to maintain a pantograph and bogie WSM system in the Dutch railway environment.

The project includes the following and will be achieved in two phases:

1) commissioning phase: validating the WSM system at two locations in relation to legislation requirements;

2) national roll-out: the supply of the WSM system to get a certain national coverage. The exact amount of locations is yet to be determined and will be disclosed in the RFP phase of this tender. The condition of starting this phase is based on the success of the commissioning phase.