The Welsh Government has this week (May 23rd) announced its intention to award the contract for the design, delivery and operation of the South Wales Metro – a key element of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal – to KeolisAmey.
The £738million Metro project is the cornerstone of the £1.2billion City Deal, creating a transport infrastructure which will help enable the social and economic objectives of the Cardiff Capital Region.
The award follows a procurement process undertaken by Transport for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government, and the contract includes the wider operation of the Wales and Borders rail network.
Upon successful completion of a 10-day standstill period, rail services would transfer on October 14, 2018, and the contract will run until October 14, 2033.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Chair of the CCR Cabinet, and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create and deliver a transport infrastructure which supports the aims of the City Deal.
“The Cardiff Capital Region is growing at an exceptional rate, and it is absolutely critical that we create a transport service which can accommodate and connect passengers travelling around the region safely, quickly, and in comfort.
“We understand that the procurement process for this contract was extremely rigorous, and the Cabinet looks forward to hearing more details about the plans upon successful completion of the standstill period.”
Councillor Huw David, Chair of the CCR Transport Authority, and Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “The railway has helped to shape the economic and social history of this region for more than 200 years.
“Connecting our people and communities with places of work and services has never been so important – not just to enable economic growth, but also social cohesion and improved quality of life across the region.”
KeolisAmey is a joint venture partnership of international public transport operator Keolis, and infrastructure asset management specialist Amey.