TfGM extends contract for Metrolink operator

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced it has extended the contract for KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd to continue to operate and maintain the city-region’s tram network through to July 2027.

The company has operated the Metrolink network on behalf of TfGM since 2017, during which time, Greater Manchester’s trams record high performance levels (passenger numbers are set to exceed pre-pandemic figures this year), improved customer satisfaction, and the opening of a new line to Trafford Park in 2020.

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. Future expansion of the Metrolink to other boroughs of the Greater Manchester is also in the pipeline, with Andy Burnham confirming in December 2023 that he was committed to seeing TfGM prepare a business case for extending the network into Stockport during 2024.

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, customer-centric 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.

“Metrolink is an integral part of Manchester’s transport system, and the KeolisAmey team are delighted to continue working together with TfGM, connecting communities and making travel easier for the people of Greater Manchester.”