Transdev starts management of Wellington urban rail system [fr]

French company Transdev took over running the New Zealand capital’s regional passenger rail services on Sunday 3 July 2016.

The company, which also operates passenger rail services in Auckland, aims to further improve the Wellington service after signing the contract with Greater Wellington Regional Council last March, in the presence of the Ambassador, Florence Jeanblanc-Risler.

On Sunday 3 July 2016, the first day of its operations, Transdev announced new Metlink uniforms would be one of the first changes customers noticed, with further service improvements such as customer information planned for coming months and the opening of a new service control centre at Wellington’s central rail station before the end of the year.

The Metlink train network delivers 371 train services on a standard working day. Its fleet of 76 two-car Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) is expected to increase to 83 over the next 12 months. Transdev will also operate Metlink’s 24 carriages for the Wairarapa service.

The start of French company Transdev’s management of Wellington’s urban rail system marks a new adventure for Wellingtonian commuters, the French ambassador says.
“Today is a great day,” Florence Jeanblanc-Risler added in a press conference on Monday.
The Ambassador said the transition to Transdev’s management was “both exciting and challenging”, and expectations were high.
“What is at stake is better public transport, ensuring Wellington’s commuters enjoy taking the train, and reducing our carbon footprint in the fight against climate change.
“I wish the greatest success to this new French-Kiwi venture.”

Niclas Flodin, Transdev’s managing director, said working with Greater Wellington Regional Council to ensure a smooth transition was the company’s first priority.

Transdev Australasia is part of the Transdev global group of companies, a leading international transport provider operating in 19 countries with over 83,000 employees.