Guaranteeing network performance in a fast-changing sector

Credit: Keolis

The public transport sector is facing a rapidly changing landscape. By 2050, according to the United Nations (UN), 70% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas¹. Demand for transport services will, therefore, continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Accelerated population growth, aging transport infrastructures, financial constraints of local authorities and heightened passenger expectations, fuelled by growing climate concerns, place transport systems under greater pressure, compelling public transport authorities and their operators to come up with innovative solutions to safeguard the wellbeing of our societies.

As the daily performance of a network is closely linked to the proper maintenance of its assets, Keolis Group has developed an approach to industrialise its maintenance processes, called Keolis Harmonizes and Industrializes its Maintenance (KHIM). This approach ensures the continuous improvement of maintenance and asset management activities.

The public transport operator’s role is to support local government policies by striving for long-term operational excellence. This is achieved through efficient management of network assets: rolling stock, infrastructure, systems, facilities and stations. And this is where Keolis comes in. By working hand-in-hand with over 300 public transport authorities (PTAs) in 13 different countries, the group has acquired more than 40 years of experience in transport system asset management.

With expertise in a dozen different mobility modes, we have the required savoir-faire to ensure optimal, long-term network availability and performance at optimal cost, while meeting growing passenger expectations, addressing the challenges of the energy transition and adapting to budgetary constraints. Therefore, Keolis Group plays a crucial role in helping its partners to deliver on local government policy. It also encourages the sharing of feedback and best practices from one entity to another – digitalisation practices, innovation and lessons learnt.

Group-wide processes

The assets managed by Keolis on behalf of PTAs are collectively worth more than €50 billion. We operate a total of 10 metro networks, 27 tram networks, eight regional train networks and more than 23,200 buses. Such a wide range of assets requires expert management. Thus, Keolis has a group-wide process in place to ensure operational excellence in asset maintenance, promoting standardised practices, driving continuous improvement in maintenance performance by all subsidiaries and for all transport modes, as well as optimising costs to take long-term decisions.

In total, the group has 8,000 dedicated maintenance staff across all networks, including digital technology Maintenance 4.0 experts, for example, as well as data scientists and data analysts.

Credit: Keolis

ISO 55001 Asset Management System certification

Many of Keolis’ subsidiaries have acquired or are about to acquire ISO 55001 Asset Management System certification, the globally recognised system of accreditation for asset management. In 2018, Keolis Downer became the first bus company in Australia to obtain ISO 55001 Asset Management certification for its Path Transit operations in Perth, followed by the Yarra Trams network in Melbourne, Australia, in August 2019 and KeolisAmey Docklands in the UK in January 2021. The Keolis-MHI joint venture, which has been operating and maintaining the Dubai metro since September 2021, is preparing for ISO 55001 certification in 2023.

In preparation for ISO 55001 certification for its Yarra Trams network, Keolis Downer spent two years developing a world-class asset management system (AMS). This involved the creation of 100 standards, procedures and guidelines and thousands of hours spent training, communicating and embedding change. Keolis-MHI in Dubai is also developing an AMS system, featuring digitally-powered solutions to deliver smart and sustainable asset management and an augmented reality mobile app that speeds up incident response time.

New technologies

As the transport sector becomes increasingly data-driven, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies in asset maintenance has become central. PTAs all over the world can now rely on the collection of data to move from planned or ‘curative’ maintenance of their networks to predictive maintenance, for which data is harnessed with data collectors, on-board sensors and even drones, then optimised with the help of AI.

Keolis implements a comprehensive, group-wide Maintenance 4.0 policy based on the use of advanced technologies – including Internet of Things (IoT), big data, AI, remote diagnostics, etc. – to optimise the operational efficiency and service quality of the networks that it operates, significantly reducing vehicle and infrastructure downtime. These technologies allow the move towards predictive maintenance to improve operational performance (in order to reduce the number of breakdowns) and be more economically efficient in maintenance.

Keolis in action, operating and maintaining the world’s largest networks

Managing multimodal networks: the TCL network in Lyon, France

Having 40 years of experience in transport system asset management has made Keolis a leader in managing multimodal networks. In Lyon, Keolis has been operating the TCL network on behalf of local transport authority, SYTRAL Mobilités, since 1993. The multimodal network is composed of four metro lines, seven tram lines, two funicular railway lines and a fleet of 940 buses and trolleybuses. Supported by Keolis Lyon, SYTRAL Mobilités has invested significantly in maintenance and upgrades across the whole network. Several trials are underway to develop predictive maintenance, including IoT connected devices on rolling stock and drones to inspect sites, civil engineering structures and buildings along networks.

The TCL network leads the way in predictive maintenance. A portal on Keolis’ Citadis tram network collects all of the operating data of the city’s trams and uploads it to the server when trams return to the depot. This data helps the operator to anticipate breakdowns and accelerate decision-making.

Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia: The world’s largest tram network

Melbourne’s Yarra Trams, operated by Keolis Downer, is the largest and most diverse tram network in the world, covering 250km of track and more than 1,750 stops. On behalf of the Victoria Department of Transport (VDOT), we manage all maintenance and upgrades for the network’s assets, including track system, points, signals, power distribution, tram stops, facilities, installations, the fleet management system, the passenger information system and a fleet of more than 500 trams across nine classes.

From Australia to France and Dubai, all of the public transport authorities served by Keolis have one priority – to ensure the best quality of service for their passengers in a sector confronted with rapid change. Backed by 40 years of expertise in asset management and the latest innovative technologies, Keolis continues to create value for its customers, delivering workable solutions to improve long-term network performance and safeguarding the wellbeing of future generations of passengers.

References

1. United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs – 2018​