Stockholm Metro, affectionately known as the Tunnelbana, is set for a new chapter as Connecting Stockholm, a joint venture between British transport giant Go-Ahead and Singapore's ComfortDelGro, assume control of the operation in 2025.
The 11-year contract, announced yesterday (Wednesday 24 January), marks a significant shift in the Stockholm Metro's operation. Connecting Stockholm will see Go-Ahead, who run Govia Thameslink encompassing Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern brands and one of the UK's largest transport operators, join forces with ComfortDelGro, who currently operate Singapore's notoriously punctual Downtown and North East Lines.
As well as keeping the trains running, Connecting Stockholm will oversee customer service, service planning, and the maintenance of stations, depots, and the 106-kilometre track network that snakes through the city.
As well as maintaining what is already there, the Tunnelbana will see some upgrades. Over the next decade, extensions are planned on the blue line to Nacka in the east of the city as well as an extension to Arenstaden in the north of Stockholm.
Patrick Verwer, Rail CEO, The Go-Ahead Group, said: “We’re delighted to be offered the opportunity to serve the people of Stockholm. This has been a well-run tender process by the Traffic Committee in Region Stockholm and, together with ComfortDelGro, we look forward to working in partnership with them to deliver our plans over the next 11 years.
“Go-Ahead is a successful British company with huge experience in operating busy, complex urban transport networks. This is an exciting contract, and it underlines our ambition to expand in rail operation.”
Cheng Siak Kian, managing director/Group CEO of ComfortDelGro, echoed this sentiment. "With our proven record in providing operational excellence and customer centric innovation, ComfortDelGro is delighted to be partnering Go-Ahead to operate and maintain the world-class Stockholm Metro system,"
Matt Kinane, chief executive officer of Connecting Stockholm, added: "We are really looking forward to starting and developing our business here in Stockholm and, above all, meeting all the dedicated and competent employees who currently work in the metro and welcoming them to Connecting Stockholm in the near future."
Photo Credit: Go-Ahead Group
