Big city train operators awarded Wales contract
ACONTRACT to run the trains in Wales for the next 15 years has been awarded to a consortium that operates major metro services in London and Manchester.
France’s Keolis and Spanish-owned Amey’s will take over services from Arriva Trains in October after being chosen ahead of Hong Kong’s MTR commuter railways.
KeolisAmey runs the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London and operates and maintains Greater Manchester’s Metrolink – the UK’s largest tram network. Rail services will transfer from Arriva on October 14.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said: “This will be a transformative new rail service for Wales and its borders which will see Keolis once more combine its worldwide expertise in passenger operations with Amey’s engineering excellence. We look forward to the successful completion of the procurement process – this exciting contract will deliver for all of Wales. The procurement process was rigorous, resulting in transformative solutions for the benefit of all in Wales, and future generations.
“While the proposed changes won’t happen overnight, the railway will be unrecognisable in five years thanks to the vision of the Welsh Government.”
The network has been run by Arriva Trains Wales since 2003 – but the firm withdrew from the bidding process for the new franchise last October.
Andy Milner, Amey’s chief executive, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to use our joint capabilities to deliver a firstrate service for Wales.
“We will be focused on working with Transport for Wales to transform the existing infrastructure and introduce new trains to significantly improve the passenger experience, as well as creating hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships.”
Transport for Wales (TfW), which is advising the Welsh Government on the contract, said the new franchise holder will be held to account on issues like punctuality, cleanliness and service quality – or they will not get paid.
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: “Throughout the procurement process we have prioritised investment in the quality of trains, stations and services for the Wales and Borders Rail Service and South Wales Metro.”
Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Transport,, Adam Price AM, said: “Now that the bid winners have been announced, the Labour Government must explain why it has appointed two international mega-companies to run our railways.”
Welsh Conservatives’ Russell George said: “As promised by the Cabinet Secretary last year, commuters will be expecting immediate improvements – quick wins – in their daily service including access to free Wi-Fi. From the outset, we have been adamant the priorities of Welsh passengers should be at the heart of the new franchise.”