Transdev Accepts €1.3 Billion Luas Contract Award to KeolisAmey

Transdev, the current Luas operator, has accepted the decision to award the €1.3 billion operations and maintenance contract to KeolisAmey, a joint venture between French transport company Keolis and British operations firm Amey. Transdev Dublin Light Rail, despite 22 years of experience, was unsuccessful in retaining the contract, which is for an initial seven-year term with an option for a six-year extension.

Following confirmation by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in March, Transdev had sought legal advice. The company will now collaborate with State authorities to ensure a smooth transition of service to KeolisAmey, which will begin operating in September. The vast majority of Luas staff are expected to transfer to KeolisAmey under EU regulations.

KeolisAmey is split 65-35 in favor of Keolis. The joint venture has operated London’s Docklands Light Railway since 2014 and recently secured a new eight-year contract for that service. They also manage Manchester’s Metrolink network. Other bidders for the Luas contract included a joint venture of Italy’s Azienda Trasporti Milanesi and France’s Alstom.