DENMARK: København metro authority Metroselskabet has prequalified three bidders for the next contract to operate and maintain the automated network.
Metroselskabet said it had it had prepared the tender with the aim of attracting a pool of potential bidders, and it has selected the prequalified tenderers from a strong field of applicants. They are:
- KBH Metro Partner, supported by RATP Development, RATP, SBS Transit Rail, ComfortDelgro Irish Citylink and Westbus Coach Services;
- Keolis Denmark;
- Metro Service joint venture of Hitachi Rail STS and Milano transport operator ATM (incumbent).
‘We are satisfied with the field of applicants for prequalification and the interest that the tender has generated — both through the preceding market dialogues and the applications we have received’, said Søren Boysen, Director of Operations & Maintenance at Metroselskabet, on September 1.
Contract timescales
The prequalified bidders will now have an opportunity to inspect the metro, after which they will submit initial bids, engage in negotiations and then submit revised bids. Metroselskabet expects to sign the contract in September 2026.
A mobilisation phase would then follow, ahead of the start of the new contract period on September 29 2027.
The contract with an estimated value of €2·4bn would run to 2039, with an option for a further three years.
Metroselskabet said its primary objective is to ensure continued high stability of operations
Metroselskabet is jointly owned by the national government, the city of København and the municipality of Frederiksberg. It has overall responsibility for the metro, but is legally required to tender the operations to a private operator.
The four-line network totals 43 km and 44 stations and carries 400 000 passengers per weekday, with peak services running every 1½ min. Line M4 is to be extended in 2030, adding two more stations.
