The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has selected a Keolis and Amey joint venture partnership to take over the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) franchise from Serco from 7 December.
Established by the DLR, the new franchise agreement will run until 2021 and involves the operation and maintenance of the city’s DLR public transport network.
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The joint venture will be responsible for all train and passenger services across the network, including maintenance of more than 34km of infrastructure, 38 stations, as well as rolling stock.
Keolis UK chief executive Alistair Gordon said: ""As the world’s largest operator of light rail networks, Keolis looks forward to using our global expertise to enhance one of the capital’s iconic public transport networks and we will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class service both during this franchise and beyond for London."
Amey chief executive Mel Ewell said: "Keolis’ global experience combined with Amey’s UK rail and asset management expertise will deliver a specialist service that provides value."
Meanwhile, RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT members on DLR are deeply concerned that we will be facing a major period of upheaval in the run up to December when Keolis take over from Serco."
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By GlobalData"RMT will fight to defend the jobs and working conditions of our members on DLR and we are seeking an urgent meeting with Keolis to secure the cast iron assurances that our members are seeking."
Image: Keolis to take over DLR from Serco in December 2014. Photo: courtesy of Keolis, Holger Jacoby.
