The deal extends Metrnom's tenure until December 2017 and covers the operation of around 1.5 million train-km per year on the non-electrified route, which Metronom has operated since December 2007 using a fleet of diesel locomotives and double-deck coaches supplied by Bombardier.
LNVG says it has decided to extend the contract because it is currently tendering three other regional contracts, the Weser-Ems, Eastern Lower Saxony, and Teutoburger Wald networks and is concerned that a fourth contest would overwhelm the market and reduce competition resulting in fewer offers.
Metronom is jointly owned by Lower Saxony Rail (69.9%), BeNex (25.1%), and Bremen Tramways (5%).
