National Express and Abellio have been announced as preferred bidders for 3 contracts to run Rhein-Ruhr Express passenger services.
The operating contracts, which total 14·6 million train-km/year, start in 2018-20 and last until December 2033, with termination options up to 2 years early.
They are being offered jointly by the transport authorities of Rhein-Ruhr, Rheinland, Westfalen-Lippe, Rheinland-Pfalz Nord and Nordhessische.
Official signing is contingent on no objections being filed during the 10-day regulatory standstill period.
The procurement is being led by Rhein-Ruhr transport authority VRR, which had earlier announced that 5 companies had bid for the operating contracts.
CEO Dean Finch said, "National Express is delighted with this further success in German rail. It strengthens our presence in the Nordrhein-Westfalen region, where we begin operating our first contracts later this year. I am very pleased with the progress that our strong local team is making. They are focused on delivering rigorous proposals that will provide excellent services for passengers, a fair deal for local taxpayers and good returns for shareholders."
The operating contracts, which total 14·6 million train-km/year, start in 2018-20 and last until December 2033, with termination options up to 2 years early.
They are being offered jointly by the transport authorities of Rhein-Ruhr, Rheinland, Westfalen-Lippe, Rheinland-Pfalz Nord and Nordhessische.
Official signing is contingent on no objections being filed during the 10-day regulatory standstill period.
The procurement is being led by Rhein-Ruhr transport authority VRR, which had earlier announced that 5 companies had bid for the operating contracts.
CEO Dean Finch said, "National Express is delighted with this further success in German rail. It strengthens our presence in the Nordrhein-Westfalen region, where we begin operating our first contracts later this year. I am very pleased with the progress that our strong local team is making. They are focused on delivering rigorous proposals that will provide excellent services for passengers, a fair deal for local taxpayers and good returns for shareholders."