CONSTRUCTION of the next phase of Caracas metro Line 3, from El Valle south to La Rinconada, is set to get underway next year, following the award of a US$240m turnkey contract to the Frameca consortium on September 30.

Frameca (France Métro Caracas) is led by Spie subsidiary SGTE, with Alstom, Siemens, Thales, Spie, Bombardier, Cogifer and CSEE Transport. It has built and equipped the whole of the three-line network in the Venezuelan capital over the past 20 years.

Under the latest deal, Alstom will supply seven six-car trainsets, electrification equipment and part of the signalling, for a total value of US$108m. Spie, SGTE and Cogifer will be responsible for the trackwork, with Siemens providing the automatic train control equipment and Thales the communications system and control centre. CSEE will supply the signalling. Bombardier will supply 56 motor and 28 trailer bogies for US$12m. Delivery of the new rolling stock is scheduled for 2005.