At least three teams are lobbying to supply the vehicles and systems for Honolulu's planned commuter rail system.

One of the teams aiming to land the estimated $250 million contract is led by Sumitomo Corporation of America.

Sumitomo — along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, KinkiSharyo International, Thales Transport & Security and Wasa Electrical Services — have combined to form a team of bidders that calls itself Honolulu Rail for Growth.

That team, along with at least two other potential bidders — Bombardier and Ansalo Breda — showcased their products at yesterday's third annual Honolulu Rail Transit Symposium.

About 350 people attended the city-sponsored event yesterday at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The event included presentations by seven national and international speakers touting the benefits of rail transit. Nearby, Honolulu Rail for Growth and others provided attendees with insights into what the train system may look like. The city plans to launch train service from East Kapolei to Ala Moana in phases, from late 2012 to late 2018.

Honolulu Rail for Growth's efforts include a Web page that launched yesterday at www.honolulurailforgrowth.com.

"We are thrilled to be participating in this bid and believe very strongly that we bring a unique mix of expertise and proven experience to this landmark project in Hawai'i's history," Gino Antoniello, vice president of transportation systems and equipment for Sumitomo Corporation of America, said in a news release.

Companies interested in bidding on the train and systems contract were required to submit preliminary information to the city by June 5. By the end of July, the city plans to select which companies will get to submit formal bids. The city expects to select a supplier in early 2010.

Among the potential bidders for that project is Bombardier, the world's largest trainmaker.

"We remain extremely interested in the Honolulu project," said Andrew Robbins, a Bombardier vice president for business development. "We anticipate bidding on the project. We would have to qualify first."

Other potential bidders include Alstom Transport.

Other major transit contracts to be put out for bid this year include a $120 million contract to build a maintenance and storage facility and a $550 million to $600 million contract for the design and construction of the first 6.5 miles of elevated guideway, from East Kapolei to Leeward Community College.

City officials yesterday did not provide an estimate of the cost of the symposium, which includes transportation and lodging expenses for guest speakers.