Keolis/Amey wins contract to run Welsh rail services

A joint venture between French and Spanish companies has been given a contract to run rail services in Wales.

Keolis/Amey was awarded the 15-year contract ahead of Hong Kong-based MTR.

Arriva, which has been operating the franchise for 15 years, pulled out of the bidding last year.

KeolisAmey says it is pleased that the Welsh Government has today announced its intention to award the contract to operate the Wales and Borders rail service and the South Wales Metro to KeolisAmey.

Upon successful completion of a 10-day standstill period, the contract will run from June 4, 2018, to October 14, 2033, with rail services transferring on October 14, 2018.

KeolisAmey is a joint venture partnership of international public transport operator Keolis, and infrastructure asset management specialist Amey.

KeolisAmey currently runs the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London, and operates and maintain Greater Manchester’s Metrolink – the largest tram network in the UK.

The move continues the awarding of contracts to run rail services in the UK by foreign firms, often state owned. Keolis is three-quarters owned by French state railway SNCF.

Keolis/Amey already runs the Docklands Light Railway in London and the Manchester Metrolink. Keolis also runs Nottingham's trams.

The new contract starts in October.