Two European firms have won the £5 billion contract to jointly operate Wales’ rail and Metro services for the next 15 years.
According to the BBC, French firm Keolis and Spanish-owned Amey submitted a joint bid that won out over an offer from Hong Kong-based MTR.
The two companies will eventually take over running the country’s railways and the southern Metro service in Cardiff and the valleys as KeolisAmey. Full details of its plans will be revealed next month after MTR has had time to challenge the process if it wishes.
The bidding began with four companies, but Arriva Trains Wales, which has run the Wales and Borders franchise since 2003, withdrew its offer last year.
KeolisAmey currently runs Greater Manchester Metrolink and the Docklands Light Railway in London. Keolis is France’s largest private sector public transport operator, while Amey – a former UK company – is now owned by Heathrow airport stakeholder Ferrovial.
The proposal includes taking over control of public transport across south Wales from Network Rail and upgrading lines in the valleys.
The new franchise comes into effect on 14 October, with all 2,200 Arriva Trains Wales employees able to transfer and maintain their terms and conditions.