UK-based traffic management services provider Serco Group has extended its contract with the Dubai Government Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) until September 2019 to continue to operate and maintain the Dubai Metro.
The five-year extension contract, which has the option to be extended by two years, is worth £355m.
Since September 2009, Serco has been operating and maintaining the initial ten stations on the Red Line.
It also offered pre-launch consultancy and planning to the RTA from 2007.
With the growth in number of Red Line stations, Serco also added engineering and maintenance responsibilities in 2012.
Serco Group CEO Christopher Hyman said that the contract reflects the high level of confidence the RTA has in Serco to continue delivering better standards in safety, performance and customer service, and will support further strong growth opportunities across the Middle East region.
“The Dubai Metro is truly iconic and it gives us great pride to continue our partnership with the RTA, play a part in the development of integrated and sustainable transportation systems for Dubai’s residents and visitors,” Hyman added.
With a network length of 75km, Dubai Metro operates 50 trains at peak times with a maximum speed of 90km an hour.
Last month, Serco secured a £18m contract from the RTA to operate the Al Sufouh Tramway that connects to Serco’s operation of the Palm Jumeirah Monorail as well as to the Dubai Metro.
RTA chairman and executive director HE Mattar Al Tayer said: “We are pleased to select Serco to continue operating the Dubai Metro given its experience in operating and maintaining a number of metro and rail lines around the world.”
