Transport for London Announces Shortlist for Elizabeth Line Operation Contract

Transport for London shortlists four bidders for the operation of the Elizabeth line, focusing on enhancing service reliability and preparing for future expansions.

Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled the shortlist of contenders vying to operate the Elizabeth line, which has been under the stewardship of MTR Elizabeth line since its inauguration in 2022. With the current contract set to expire in May 2025, TfL is gearing up to transition to a new operator that will focus on enhancing the reliability of the service.

The Elizabeth line, renowned for its transformative effect on London's public transport network, offers new and more direct routes across the city, including through ten new central London stations. It has significantly improved the travel experience with new, spacious trains servicing 41 stations, supporting hundreds of millions of journeys annually.

The contenders for the next operating contract are:

• Arriva UK Trains
• First Keolis Elizabeth line, a collaborative venture between First Group PLC and Keolis SA
• GTS Rail Operations Limited, a joint effort by Go Ahead Holdings Limited, Sumitomo Corporation, and Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd
• MTR Corporation (UK) Limited

Howard Smith, Elizabeth line Director, highlighted the line's substantial impact on London's transport landscape, emphasizing the role of the new operator in continuing this trajectory of growth and excellence in customer service.

The future operator will be pivotal in maintaining the high standards set by the Elizabeth line, focusing not just on reliability and customer satisfaction but also on collaborative efforts with TfL, Network Rail, and HS2. This includes the preparation for the anticipated extension of Elizabeth line services to Old Oak Common, marking another milestone in London's transport evolution.

This announcement sets the stage for a competitive process to determine who will take the helm of the Elizabeth line, ensuring its continued success and contribution to London's dynamic transport network.