Go-Ahead and ComfortDelGro win Stockholm metro operating contract

CONNECTING Stockholm (CS), a joint venture between Britain’s Go-Ahead Group and Singapore-based transport company ComfortDelGro, has won a contract to operate the metro (Tunnelbana) network in the Swedish capital for 11 years. The value of the contract has not been revealed.

CS, 55% of which is owned by Go-Ahead and 45% by ComfortDelGro, will take over from existing operator MTR in May 2025 and will be responsible for maintaining and operating the three-line 106km network that includes 100 stations and six depots.

Go-Ahead is the majority owner of British passenger operator Govia Thameslink Railway, as well as London’s largest bus operator, while ComfortDelGro subsidiary SBS Transit currently operates two of Singapore’s metro lines.

ComfortDelGro also runs Auckland One Rail in New Zealand, and with RATP Dev and Alstom is a member of the ORA Consortium awarded a six-year contract to operate Line 15 South of the Grand Paris Express network.

Go-Ahead has a presence in Scandinavia with its Go-Ahead Nordic Rail business and Flexbuss operations in southern Sweden.

Several major changes to the Stockholm metro network are expected to take place during the term of the contract, including extending the Blue Line to Nacka, east of the capital, and the Green Line to Arenastaden, north of the city.

Hong Kong-based MTR has been operating the Stockholm metro since 2009 and since 2016 has also been operating the city’s commuter (Pendeltåg) network. However, poor performance resulted in MTR Nordic agreeing to exit its commuter contract in March, two years before it was due to end.

“With our proven record in providing operational excellence and customer-centric innovation, ComfortDelGro is delighted to be partnering Go-Ahead to operate and maintain the world-class Stockholm metro system,” says CS managing director and group CEO, Mr Cheng Siak Kian. “Together, we can look forward to providing a safe, reliable and positive commuter experience for the people of Stockholm.”

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