Arriva shortlisted to bid for London Overground concession

Arriva has today (29 June) welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement that the European transport group has been invited to tender for the London Overground concession.

Chris Burchell, managing director of Arriva UK Trains, said: “We have a first-rate track record in the London transport market across both rail and bus. As the incumbent operator we have submitted a strong expression of interest for the London Overground concession so are naturally delighted that we have been invited to tender.

“Since 2007 we have, alongside our joint venture partners MTR, worked closely in partnership with TfL to deliver a world-class urban service for London Overground passengers. During that time we have seen LOROL achieve some of the highest customer satisfaction and reliability scores in the industry, overseen a £50m station improvement programme, introduced five-car trains to the network, and have been recognised both nationally and on a European level for our operational excellence.

“We will be creating and submitting an innovative bid that draws on our experience not just in London, but also from across the UK and mainland Europe.”

He added: “At the same time we are committed to delivering the best possible service for customers over the remaining 17 months of the London Overground contract.”

The new London Overground concession will commence in November 2016.

Arriva also operates almost 20 per cent of the London bus market with 1,600 buses.

In the UK Arriva operate six passenger rail businesses – Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Grand Central, Tyne and Wear Metro and London Overground (LOROL). Arriva also operate rail services in Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland. The group also owns Crewe-based maintenance business Arriva TrainCare and is the majority shareholder in fuel-saving technology firm, Zeta Automotive.

ENDS