MTR has been awarded the £1.4 billion Crossrail Train Operating Concession (CTOC) by Transport for London (TfL).
The eight-year contract, which includes a two-year extension option, will see MTR operating Crossrail’s new services between Reading and Heathrow in the west, and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in east.
MTR, which has its main headquarters in Hong Kong, currently operates London Overground services alongside Arriva as LOROL.
Although the new Crossrail trains won’t be delivered until May 2017, MTR will take over the Shenfield to Liverpool Street services from Abellio Greater Anglia in May 2015.
The operating concession is expected to create around 850 new jobs, including 400 new drivers and more than 50 apprentices.
Mike Brown, managing director London Underground and London Rail, said: “Appointing an operator is a huge step towards the new railway coming to London.
“The decision to appoint MTR was reached after a thorough and competitive procurement process and we look forward to working with them to transform rail services in the capital. Crossrail will help cut journey times, make it easier for people travelling across the city and create jobs and support growth and regeneration along the route.
“As our population grows faster than any other European city, the case for stable and sustained investment in London’s transport network has never been stronger.”
Mr Jeremy Long, chief executive of MTR’s European business, added: “MTR knows London very well. Over the past seven years, we have developed a strong partnership and collaborative working relationship with TfL and Network Rail through our joint venture operations of London Overground. We will build on these partnerships to establish Crossrail as a railway that provides operational excellence and the highest possible level of customer service for London.”
MTR is now the preferred company for London Overground and Crossrail with TFL. Brilliant. Bombardier are also the preferred bidders to build Class 378/3’s and the Class 345 Aventra Crossrail trains.