There has been a changing of the guard at Manchester Metrolink with KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) officially taking over from RATP Dev Metrolink as the new operator of the UK\u2019s largest tram network. The new contract will run for up to 10 years and has seen the appointment of a new Managing Director.<\/p>\n
KAM is a joint venture partnership of leading global public transport operator, Keolis, and infrastructure asset management specialist, Amey and were awarded the contract to operate and maintain the Metrolink network in January after a competitive tendering process.<\/p>\n
As part of the new team at the head of Metrolink, Aline Frantzen has been appointed as Managing Director of KAM. Aline joins the team following 17 years with Yarra Trams in Melbourne which is also operated by Keolis. New jobs have already been created with 60 additional Customer Service Representatives, Travel Safe Officers and drivers having started.<\/p>\n
Key features of the new contract will include a major focus on improving operational reliability as well as an increased staff presence on the network \u2013 especially in the evenings and weekends, hence the new jobs created. In total over the course of the contract 300 jobs will be created (including drivers, apprenticeships and traineeships) and a minimum of 40% of all supplier contracts will be sourced within 25 miles of Greater Manchester.<\/p>\n
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC), said: \u201cFirstly, I\u2019d like to place on record my thanks to MRDL for all their work and pay tribute to the staff who have played a crucial part in making the network what it is today \u2013 a fantastic, world-class light rail system. KeolisAmey Metrolink is a partnership between two international transport and infrastructure management specialists, with the experience and skills to operate Metrolink, create jobs, support the growth of the local economy and deliver innovative and pragmatic solutions that offer better passenger experiences. These are exciting times for Metrolink and the city-region and I warmly welcome KAM as the Metrolink operator. Together we will further realise the full potential and benefits of the unprecedented growth and investment we are overseeing in the network.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aline Frantzen added: \u201cWe are looking forward to working with TfGM, our partners and the community to implement our exciting plans for what is already a high-performing network. Our approach will be focused on collaboratively working to keep Greater Manchester moving and growing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Welcome KAM to Manchester! Only time will tell if this is a positive change for Metrolink.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There has been a changing of the guard at Manchester Metrolink with KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) officially taking over from RATP Dev Metrolink as the new operator of the UK\u2019s largest tram network. The new contract will run for up to … Continue reading