Tokyo Metro Company (TMC) has secured a deal to take over the operation of London’s Elizabeth line, replacing the current operator MTR, which is owned by China.
The consortium led by TMC, along with UK transport group Go-Ahead and Sumitomo Corporation from Japan, outbid three other contenders for the contract. They aim to bring Japanese efficiency and reliability to London’s newest rail line.
The GTS Rail Operations consortium will assume control of the Elizabeth line for at least seven years starting next May. This move comes after concerns about reliability issues on the line in recent months.
The decision to replace MTR with Tokyo Metro follows strained relations between China and the UK due to political developments in Hong Kong. The new operators plan to optimize operations and prepare for increased services when a new HS2 station opens in 2030.
With Tokyo known for its highly reliable railway system, this partnership aims to leverage that expertise on an international scale. Go-Ahead holds a majority stake in the joint venture, marking Tokyo Metro’s first overseas railway operation involvement.
Sumitomo Corporation’s global presence and experience in trading trains make it a valuable partner in this venture. The deal also includes an option for extension based on performance metrics.
2024-11-20 06:52:02
Source from www.theguardian.com