The contract covers the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a train control system for Crossrail’s central section.

Having prequalified for the C620 contract as separate entities last September, Invensys Rail and Siemens submitted a combined bid which was a permissible approach under the procurement rules.

Rival Bombardier Transportation UK withdrew from the race in March, leaving it to Signalling Solutions and Thales Transportation and Solutions to take on the  Siemens and Invensys Rail consortium.

The new signalling system will be installed along the Crossrail route between Portobello Junction on the Great Western Main Line, Pudding Mill Lane Junction on the Great Eastern Main Line in the east and Abbey Wood in the south east.

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail’s Chief Executive said: “Crossrail will operate up to 24 trains per hour during the peak between Whitechapel and Paddington.

“The new signalling system will incorporate Automatic Train Operation to support the delivery of a high-frequency metro service and will also be capable of enhancement to 30 trains per hour through the central section at a later date.”

The firms have signed up to provide apprenticeships and job opportunities for Londoners.

Siemens aims to create around 20 apprenticeships and new job start roles for individuals who are long-term unemployed  during the life of their contract.

It is a requirement that all of the new job starts be taken up by individuals living within Greater London or within one mile of the Crossrail route.

Siemens will also be required to provide 500 days of work experience and placement opportunities for young people.