Premier announces new train, tram operators for Melbourne

The Premier of Victoria today announced the successful tenderers to operate Melbourne's train and tram network, which will see new operators for both networks.  The successful tenderers are:

1. Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) - to operate Melbourne's metropolitan train network
2. Keolis Downer EDI Rail (KDR) - to operate Melbourne's tram network.

MTM is a joint venture between Hong Kong's MTR Corporation Ltd, Australian companies John Holland Melbourne Rail Franchise Pty Ltd (John Holland) and United Group Rail Services Ltd (UGL).  MTM has experience in operating Hong Kong's mass transit system and the London Overground.  KDR is a joint venture between French firm Keolis and Australian maintenance provider Downer EDI Rail.  Both operators will be offered an eight-year contract term.  Access the media release and watch the announcement on YouTube here.

To see the media reaction, click on the following links:

1. ABC Victoria Stateline
2. News of the announcement in the Herald-Sun, Friday 26 June
3. Opinion piece - The Age, Saturday 27 June