KeolisAmey Luas begins operating Dublin's iconic light rail network
A press release from KeolisAmey Luas:
KeolisAmey Luas today officially commenced operation and maintenance of Dublin's Luas light rail network, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Ireland's most successful and recognisable public transport systems.
The start of the contract follows months of preparation and collaboration with employees, stakeholders and the outgoing operator to ensure a seamless transition for passengers. From today, KeolisAmey Luas assumes responsibility for operating and maintaining the network on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and National Transport Authority (NTA).
Drawing on the combined expertise of Keolis, one of the world's leading public transport operators, and Amey, a leading global infrastructure consultancy and operations partner, KeolisAmey Luas will build on the network's strong foundations while introducing improvements to enhance reliability, resilience and the overall customer experience over the opening years of the contract. Planned initiatives include enhanced services, the introduction of proven operational and maintenance processes, remote monitoring technology and a programme of improvements across the network.
The Luas carries millions of passengers each year and plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and helping Dublin achieve its sustainability ambitions. Under the new contract, KeolisAmey Luas is committed to protecting what passengers value most about the network while helping prepare it for future growth and development.
Tom Joyner, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Luas, added:
"This is an important day for everyone connected with the Luas. We inherit a network with a strong reputation for safety, reliability and customer service, and our priority is to protect and build upon that success.
"Our focus is to ensure a smooth transition for passengers and colleagues while working with our partners to start to deliver the improvements and innovations that will help shape the future of the network. Together, we are opening a new chapter for Luas, one that builds on its proud history whilst creating new opportunities for the people and communities it serves.”
Richard Graham, CEO of Keolis UK & Ireland, said:
"Today marks an important milestone for Keolis and for public transport in Ireland. Alongside Amey, we are honoured to take on responsibility for operating and maintaining the Luas and to serve the people of Dublin.
"The Luas is already one of Europe's most successful light rail networks. Our focus is on building on that success, bringing international expertise, innovation and best practice to support its continued development. Working closely with TII, NTA, our colleagues and stakeholders, we look forward to helping elevate the Luas into its next chapter."
Andy Milner, CEO of Amey, said:
"Amey has a long history of managing and maintaining critical transport infrastructure, and we are proud to bring that expertise to Luas. Together with Keolis, we will focus on ensuring the network remains resilient, efficient and well positioned to support Dublin's future transport ambitions.
"By combining operational excellence with engineering and asset management expertise, we will help create the foundations for the network's continued development in the years ahead."
Donal Dunne, Senior Operations Manager, TII, said:
"Today marks the start of a new operational chapter for the Luas. We welcome KeolisAmey Luas as our new operating partner and look forward to working together to continue delivering a safe, reliable and customer-focused service for passengers.
"The Luas has become an integral part of Dublin's transport network and plays a critical role in supporting sustainable mobility across the city. We are confident that building on the strong foundations already in place will help ensure the network continues to serve passengers and communities successfully into the future."
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at the National Transport Authority (NTA) added:
“As a key part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) public transport network, Luas has transformed how people travel across Dublin since its launch, providing a safe, reliable and sustainable transport option for millions of passengers every year.
We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and working closely with KeolisAmey Luas as it begins this new chapter for the network. Together, we will build on Luas's success, maintaining the high standards of service and reliability that passengers expect while driving innovation and improvements that enhance the customer experience and support the network's future growth.”
KeolisAmey Luas will continue working closely with TII, NTA, employees, trade unions and stakeholders to deliver a safe, accessible and customer-focused service while supporting the future expansion and development of Dublin's light rail network.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
• KeolisAmey is a successful partnership that brings together world-class transport operations expertise; and leading engineering and infrastructure capability.
• KeolisAmey already successfully operate and maintain Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London; and Manchester’s Metrolink tram network.
• The Luas is a light rail network that carries millions of passenger journeys each year, averaging over 165,000 passengers each day.
About Keolis
Keolis is one of the world’s largest public transport companies, with turnover of more than €7bn.
Keolis is the world’s leading operator of trams and automatic metro systems, with more than 45 years' expertise and 23 reference networks in tram operations and maintenance globally.
For more information, please visit our website: www.keolis.com/en/a-global-leader-in-trams
About Amey
Amey is a global, integrated infrastructure consultancy and operations partner designing, delivering, protecting, and maintaining critical assets and systems.
We have over 100 years of experience helping governments and operators tackle complex transport, defence and public estate challenges.
Our international footprint covers the UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, USA, and the Caribbean.
For more information please visit our website: ameygroup.ie