KeolisAmey Luas has begun operating and maintaining Dublin's Luas light rail network under a new contract, marking the start of a new era for one of Europe's most successful tram systems. The transition follows an extensive mobilisation programme involving employees, stakeholders and the outgoing operator.

Keolis is a French transport operator headquartered in Paris, majority owned by SNCF, reporting revenue of €7.7 billion for 2024. Amey is a British infrastructure engineering company headquartered in London, owned by Buckthorn Partners and One Equity Partners, reporting revenue of £1.87 billion for 2024.

The new contract brings together Keolis' international transport expertise with Amey's infrastructure management capabilities, with early priorities including enhanced service delivery, proven operations and maintenance practices, remote monitoring technologies and wider infrastructure improvements.

The structural driver is the combination of Keolis' operational track record across international light rail networks with Amey's asset management and engineering capabilities, positioning the joint venture to support Luas through its next phase of growth.

Tom Joyner, managing director of KeolisAmey Luas, said, "We inherit a network with a strong reputation for safety, reliability and customer service, and our priority is to protect and build upon that success. Together, we are opening a new chapter for Luas, one that builds on its proud history whilst creating new opportunities for the people and communities it serves."

Richard Graham, chief executive of Keolis Ireland, said, "The Luas is already one of Europe's most successful light rail networks. Our focus is on building on that success, bringing international expertise, innovation and best practice to support its continued development."

Andy Milner, chief executive of Amey, said, "Amey has a long history of managing and maintaining critical transport infrastructure, and we are proud to bring that expertise to Luas. By combining operational excellence with engineering and asset management expertise, we will help create the foundations for the network's continued development in the years ahead."

The Luas network carries millions of passengers annually and plays a role in supporting sustainable travel, economic development and connectivity across Dublin. KeolisAmey Luas will continue working alongside employees, trade unions and industry stakeholders as it prepares the network for future expansion.

For the sector, the handover reflects a wider pattern of international operators pairing transport operations expertise with infrastructure engineering capability to win and run major urban rail concessions.

Source: RailTechnologyMagazine / Keolis / Amey