Transport for London (TfL) has announced its intention to award the new Elizabeth line operator contract to GTS Rail Operations Limited, a joint venture between Go-Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro, and Sumitomo Corporation. The seven-year contract, with an option to extend for two years, will commence in May 2025.
GTS Rail Operations Limited will succeed MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited as the operator of the Elizabeth line, one of the most significant additions to London’s transport network in recent years. The line has rapidly gained popularity, transporting over 700,000 passengers daily and transforming travel across London and the South East.
The new contract aims to build on the Elizabeth line’s success and ensure its continued growth. Key objectives include:
- Optimising Operations: Leveraging expertise from Tokyo and London to enhance operations and prepare for future service expansions to Old Oak Common.
- Safety Focus: Maintaining a relentless focus on customer and staff safety.
- Industry Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with Network Rail to deliver high performance and customer satisfaction.
- Investment in People and Technology: Driving improvements in operating performance and customer information.
- Introducing New Trains: Bringing 10 new Class 345 trains into service to support increased passenger demand and future service enhancements.
- Preparing for Future Growth: Collaborating with TfL, Network Rail, and HS2 to prepare for the operation of services to Old Oak Common.
- Investing in the Workforce: Delivering over 500 apprenticeships and supporting local community groups.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Elizabeth line has had a transformational impact since opening in 2022 and has quickly become one of the most popular and reliable railways in the country. The railway has provided new, more direct journey options which has led to huge numbers of customers using our safe and accessible trains and stations.
“I am delighted that we have appointed GTS Rail Operations to continue to build on the success of the Elizabeth line and I look forward to working with them.”
Miguel Parras, Group CEO of the Go-Ahead Group, said: “We’re proud to have been chosen to be TfL’s partner, together with Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Metro, for the operation of the iconic Elizabeth line. We look forward to bringing our collective expertise across UK and international rail operations to London. Our objectives are aligned with TfL – to connect communities across London through safe, reliable, and sustainable public transport services, delivered to the highest level of customer satisfaction.”
The shortlisted Bidders were:
- Arriva UK Trains
- First Keolis Elizabeth line (a joint venture between First Group PLC and Keolis SA)
- GTS Rail Operations Limited (a joint venture between Go Ahead Holdings Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd)
- MTR Corporation (UK) Limited
The current operator, MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited will continue to operate Elizabeth line services until 25 May 2025. Over the course of the current concession, MTR Corporation has overseen numerous milestones on the railway including the introduction of new rolling stock, the opening of the Central Operating Section, and consistently high customer satisfaction scores
Under the new contract, TfL will continue to be responsible for setting the fares and marketing the services and will retain revenue generated by ticket sales to be reinvested in improving the transport network.
Staff currently employed by the incumbent operator will transfer to GTS Rail Operations Limited under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). This will be fully consulted in line with the Regulations to ensure there is a smooth transition for employees so that they may continue to provide a safe and reliable service on the Elizabeth Line.
