New deal for tram
A NEW three-year deal between Metrolink and its operating company has been announced by transport chiefs.
The Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester is run on Transport for Greater Manchester’s behalf by private company Keolisamey Metrolink Ltd.
TFGM has now confirmed an extension to the Metrolink operations and maintenance contract, which will see the company continue to operate and maintain trams here from July until July 2027.
Making the announcement, bosses said the new contract has an ‘increased emphasis’ on operational performance together with more planned network improvements, while also committing more frontline staff to tackle fare evasion and antisocial behaviour.
KAM has been the operator and maintainer of Metrolink since July, 2017.
The extended contract will also be overseen by Damien Chabas, who was appointed by KAM as its new managing director in
August. Danny Vaughan, TFGM’S Head of Metrolink, said: “Since coming on board with us Keolisamey Metrolink have become an invaluable partner to TFGM.
“Together we have shown that we are committed to enhancing the Metrolink service for the benefit of our customers, whether that’s investing in the network or delivering excellent levels of reliability and punctuality.
“There is still a lot of exciting work for us to do to deliver the best possible experience for our customers, and I am delighted that KAM will continue to be a part of this journey for the foreseeable future.”
Alistair Gordon, CEO Keolis UK, Middle East and India, said: “We are delighted to have agreed the extension contract to operate and maintain Metrolink services for another three years.
“The team at Keolisamey Metrolink has worked with our partner TFGM to put the customer at the heart of our shared continuous improvement approach.
“Keolisamey is committed to delivering a high-performance network that continues to add value to the communities of Greater Manchester.
“We now look forward to building on the many successes of Metrolink over the past seven years and are ready to deliver on the clear objectives set by TFGM for further improvements during the extension period.”
Peter Anderson, Managing Director at Amey, added: “It has been a privilege to work with TFGM over the last seven years delivering a more reliable, customercentric service, which transports millions of people safely around Greater Manchester every year.
“Using our combined expertise, along with investment in our data analytics capability and technology, we have implemented solutions which more effectively manage the Metrolink network.
“These developments have improved operational efficiency, enhanced maintenance regimes, and ensured an efficiently managed service for the local community.”