MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited has lost the bid to renew its operating contract for London’s Elizabeth line.
Instead, Transport for London (TfL) has announced its intention to contract GTS Rail Operations Limited, a joint venture between Go Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation.
The new contract will last seven years and will commence in May 2025. It will also include an option for a two-year extension.
The Elizabeth line launched in 2022, providing a significant addition to London’s transport network. It carries over 700,000 passengers daily, reducing travel times, increasing capacity, and improving accessibility across the city and the South East.
“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.”
Key Objectives of the New Contract
TfL and GTS Rail Operations Limited aim to sustain and enhance the line’s success with a series of strategic goals, including:
- Leveraging Global Expertise: Drawing on the combined knowledge of Tokyo Metro and Go-Ahead Group to optimise operations and prepare for service expansions to Old Oak Common, planned for 2030.
- Safety Focus: Prioritising the safety of passengers and staff.
- Collaboration: Promoting strong partnerships with Network Rail and other industry stakeholders to maintain high performance and customer satisfaction.
- Technological Investment: Enhancing operational efficiency and customer information systems to better manage disruptions.
- Fleet Expansion: Introducing 10 new Class 345 trains to support increased passenger demand and service enhancements.
- Preparations for Old Oak Common: Coordinating with TfL, Network Rail, and HS2 for future services to the new station.
- Apprenticeships and Community Engagement: Delivering over 500 apprenticeships during the contract term and supporting grassroots initiatives through community grants.
“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.”
