Following the new call for tenders for renewal of network operations, launched by the transit authority of Lower Saxony, Bremen and the Westphalia-Lippe regional transportation association, the contract was awarded to NWB, which has operated the network since 2000 and won recognition for its innovative offering. This experience will help in implementing a number of tangible improvements for travelers in the region.
“Our unwavering commitment enabled us to succeed in the face of tough competition,” said Veolia Verkehr President Christian Schreyer. “Personally, it makes me especially happy in that we were able to secure a large number of jobs in the region, which stretches from the Baltic to Osnabrück, via Bremen.”
The new contract, which includes management of 21 regional rail lines covering five million kilometers a year, will officially begin December 11, 2016, for a 10-year period. The three clients have reserved the option to extend the contract two additional years. Network lines will be served by 43 of the latest diesel locomotives from the Lower Saxony fleet, as well as new rail cars.
“Retaining responsibility for operation of the Weser-Ems network for the coming decade is a source of great satisfaction,” said Transdev Chairman and CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac. “This reinforces the decision by Transdev to maintain its presence in Germany and to consolidate its expertise in rail, a market that is opening to competition.”
Veolia Verkehr is the leading private operator of rail and bus networks in Germany operating on roads and rail lines on both the regional and interregional levels. With 5,350 employees and 45 subsidiaries, Veolia Verkehr ensures that 240 million travelers reach their destination each year without incident. In 2015, Veolia Verkehr’s name will change to Transdev Germany.
NordWestBahn is Veolia Verkehr’s largest subsidiary, employing 850 people and operating 21 regional lines in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen and Hesse.
About Transdev
A subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts and Veolia Environnement, Transdev is one of the world’s leading public transportation companies.
Transdev advises and assists local authorities, from pre-project to daily operations of public transit systems to project management. With 86,000 employees in 20 countries, the company operates 48,000 vehicles and 23 light rail networks. Transdev generated revenues of 6.6 billion euros in 2013.