300 jobs to be created in Metrolink operator switch

More than 300 jobs are to be created following the appointment of a new operator to run the Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester.

Public transport specialist Keolis and infrastructure company Amey will take control as joint venture KeolisAmey when the current RATP Dev and MPT contract ends in July.

Three other shortlisted organisations took part in a competitive bidding process run by Transport for Greater Manchester. The new contract will run for up to 10 years.

Keolis UK chief executive Alistair Gordon said: “We welcome this opportunity to bring our expertise to bear on the Greater Manchester Metrolink network and provide an excellent public transport service to the city and surrounding areas.

“Our international experience tells us that a reliable, safe and customer-focused transport network is a crucial part of the engine for economic growth.

“We will build on Metrolink’s success and ensure we provide the support to help meet the city region’s social and economic ambitions. We look forward to working closely with TfGM to deliver the highest levels of performance and customer satisfaction in the coming years.

“This contract award underlines the success of our long term strategy to develop a presence across all sectors of British transport and marks another significant milestone in our growing partnership with Amey.”

As well as the creation of upwards of 300 jobs – including drivers, apprenticeships, places for trainees and a commitment to upskill and enhance training and qualifications for staff – there will be a big focus on improving reliability and customer service and security with increased staffing on the network, particularly in the evening and at weekends.

There will also be commitment to source a minimum of 40% of supplier contracts within 25 miles of Greater Manchester, and customer and community engagement, including ‘Meet the Manager’ and ‘Tweet the Manager’ sessions.

Amey chief executive Andy Milner said: “We’ve worked in the Manchester region for many years and know how significant Metrolink has been in supporting the growth and outstanding success of the region as a whole.

“We look forward to bringing our capabilities and expertise as part of our proven partnership with Keolis to ensure the ongoing success of this vital service, working collaboratively to create better journeys for Greater Manchester’s residents and visitors.”

KeolisAmey, the current operator of the Docklands Light Railway in London, will inherit a fleet of 120 trams and the recently approved Trafford Park Line extension which is expected to be operational by 2020/21.

Metrolink was launched in 1992 now covers almost 60 miles of track and serves 93 stops between Manchester city centre, Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bury, East Didsbury, Eccles, MediaCityUK, Oldham and Rochdale town centres, and Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe.

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester mayor, said: “It is vital that our transport infrastructure connects and supports the new homes and jobs we need, helps the local economy to flourish and ensures residents can contribute to and benefit from our shared prosperity – and that is precisely what this new contract seeks to achieve.

“Greater Manchester’s transport Leaders have judged KeolisAmey on their plans for Metrolink, which are focused on improving reliability, customer service, and creating more customer-facing roles, such as drivers and customer service representatives.

“They have also committed to creating hundreds of new jobs, including graduate roles, apprenticeships and traineeships, and to source almost half of their supplier contracts locally.

“It is an ambitious approach, with a big focus on the customer and the community.”
Keolis is 70% owned by SNCF, France’s state-owned railway operator, and 30% owned by Canadian pension fund Caisse de depot et de placement du Québec.

Amey is owned by global infrastructure management and investment company Ferrovial.