Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has extended its contract with KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd (KAM) for the operation and maintenance of Manchester‘s tram network from July 2024 until July 2027.

Operational performance is at the focus of the new contract as well as improvements to the network and committing more frontline staff to tackle fare evasion and antisocial behaviour.

Among the improvements planned for the contract extension are:

• A greater emphasis on operational performance.
• Improvements in revenue protection and security.
• Further investment to ensure the network benefits from the latest technology developments.
• Better social impact ambitions to maximise the network’s support for local communities.

The new contract will be overseen by KAM’s new Managing Director, Damien Chabas, who was appointed last August.

As part of the planned improvements, a new timetable was introduced this week to meet increasing passenger demand, whilst an extensive programme of works are scheduled to deliver further improvements during the coming year.

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.”