Transport Infrastructure Ireland awards Luas operating contract to Keolis Amey

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed Keolis Amey as the new operator of Dublin's Luas light rail system following a competitive procurement process. The contract, which commences in 2026, replaces Transdev Ireland, the incumbent operator that has managed Luas services since the system launched in 2004.

RTÉ reported that the procurement process evaluated bidders on operational capability, service quality commitments, technical expertise and value for money. Keolis Amey, a joint venture between French transport operator Keolis and UK infrastructure services company Amey, operates public transport systems across multiple European cities.

The new contract covers operation and maintenance of the Luas Red and Green Lines, serving over 40 million passenger journeys annually across Dublin. Keolis Amey will assume responsibility for day-to-day service delivery, rolling stock maintenance, customer service operations and depot management at the Red Cow and Sandyford facilities.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated that the procurement prioritised service reliability, passenger experience and operational efficiency alongside financial considerations. The contract includes performance metrics covering punctuality, customer satisfaction, safety standards and asset maintenance quality.

Keolis Amey operates tram systems in Manchester, Nottingham and other UK cities, alongside rail franchises and bus networks. The company will transfer existing Luas staff under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations, preserving employment continuity for current operational and maintenance personnel.

The transition period will involve handover of operational systems, maintenance procedures, depot facilities and rolling stock documentation from Transdev to Keolis Amey. Transport Infrastructure Ireland will oversee the changeover process to ensure service continuity during the operator transition.

The Luas network has expanded significantly since its 2004 opening, with the Green Line extension to Broombridge and Cross City connection completed in recent years.

Read the complete details on Transport Infrastructure Ireland's Luas operator procurement and transition arrangements.