KeolisAmey will operate Transport for Wales Rail Services. The contract will run for a total of 15 years.
The Wales and Borders rail service, previously run by Arriva Trains Wales, has been taken over by Transport for Wales Rail Services. The new contract will help bring a number of significant benefits to communities across Wales while creating a new standard for the industry as infrastructure and rail services become connected for the first time.
The opportunity to re-design and re-purpose our railway network in Wales is a once in a generation opportunity and I am confident that by 2033 it can be the best passenger rail service in the UK.
Transport Secretary Ken Skates detailed some of the improvements passengers can expect in the short and long term. These included committing £800m to deliver new trains across the network, an investment that will see 95% of rail journeys taken on new trains. £194m will also be invested into improving passenger experience across the network. Over the course of the 15-year contract Transport for Wales will also offer 600 new jobs and 450 apprenticeships.
Passengers will enjoy the benefits of the introduction of smart ticketing across the network, and through the extension of free travel to under-11s with half-price fares for 16 to 18 year olds, they will see economic improvements also.
The KeolisAmey partnership is currently operating the Greater Manchester Metrolink and the award-winning Docklands Light Railway. Amey has also committed to opening a new consulting office in Cardiff in 2019 which will create over 50 jobs.
We are looking forward to delivering the Welsh Government’s vision to transform transport across Wales sharing the journey with the dedicated men and women of the railway, who join the TfW Rail Services family.
