Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed the selection of four shortlisted bidders looking to become the next operator of the Elizabeth line.
The Elizabeth line has been operated by MTR Elizabeth line since its launch in 2022. However, this contract is due to expire in May 2025.
Under a new operating contract, TfL plans to focus on growing reliability for the line’s services.
The shortlisted bidders are:
- 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 Elizabeth line has had a transformational impact, providing new, more direct journey options for customers, including at ten new central London stations.
“We have introduced new, more spacious trains, which run more frequently through 41 stations that were either newly built or modernised, supporting hundreds of millions of customer journeys each year. The new Elizabeth line operator will play a major role in supporting us to continue that growth and success, providing high levels of customer service and satisfaction.”
In addition to working to improve reliability and customer satisfaction, the next operator will work closely with TfL, Network Rail and HS2 in preparation for launching Elizabeth line services to Old Oak Common.
