New Metrolink contract hunt
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a procurement process to find a new operator for the Metrolink tram system, with the contract potentially worth £1.6bn over 11 years. The current operator, KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), may see its tenure end in 2027. The new operator will need to maintain and enhance the system, which has seen record ridership, including integrating with bus services and expanding the network.
Transport for Greater Manchester opened the bidding on Wednesday for an 11-year, £1.6 billion contract to run the region’s Metrolink network, formally ending KeolisAmey Metrolink’s decade-long stewardship when the current agreement expires in 2027.
KeolisAmey has operated the 103-kilometre light-rail system since 2017, also managing London’s Docklands Light Railway, but must now compete against rival firms eager to take charge of a network that carried a record 45.6 million journeys last year and logged its busiest-ever month in November with 4.2 million trips.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, said the tram system underpins the city-region’s growth. “Metrolink is at the heart of Greater Manchester’s public transport and active travel network with record numbers of people choosing to use it,” he said, adding that forthcoming tap-and-go ticketing across buses and trams will make travel “more convenient, affordable and accessible for everyone.”
The procurement notice published on 24 April tasks the next operator with maintaining tracks, stops and vehicles, scheduling services and helping TfGM deliver future expansions such as new lines, stops, rolling stock and signalling upgrades. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said the goal is a contract that “better aligns Metrolink with our franchised buses and plans to integrate with local rail services,” locking in recent passenger growth when combined fares launch at the end of March.
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