Keolis Downer renewed contract for Yarra Trams in Melbourne

Keolis’ Australian subsidiary, Keolis Downer, has been awarded the contract to continue operating Yarra Trams, on behalf of the Victorian Government in Melbourne, Australia.

The new franchise will commence on 30 November 2017 and expire in 2024. With the new contract, 100 new jobs will be created, with an emphasis on engineering and trades-based roles. Keolis Downer’s focus will be on improving passenger satisfaction by delivering safer, more reliable and passenger-friendly services for travellers in Melbourne.

Passenger assistance will be improved thanks to better digital information, accessibility enhancements and more frontline employees providing passenger assistance across the network. With the Victorian Government’s investment in a tram refurbishment program over the next five years, Keolis Downer will maximise the value of the state’s assets through maintenance and renewal projects.

Melbourne’s tram network, operated by Keolis Downer since 2009, includes 24 routes as well as the City Circle tram, popular with tourists. It counts 250km of double track, over 1,700 tram stops with around 410 trams operating during peak times. During this time, Keolis Downer has improved safety, passenger satisfactions and maintained punctuality during a period of growth in patronage and road traffic. Over 300 new jobs have been created, and Keolis Downer has significantly increased the number of women working for the network (up 67%), as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion.

“We will continue working closely with our client to operate the tram network more efficiently and to enhance the passenger experience by delivering safe, reliable, clean and easy-to-use services every day,” commented Bernard Tabary, CEO, Keolis International.